Composite Design Engineer

The Structures Company • Santa Ana, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Leads design and development of composite structures and components ensuring compliance with aerospace performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability requirements. Creates and reviews 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering release packages using CAD software such as CATIA, NX, and SolidWorks. Develops laminate schedules, ply books, and composite stack-ups aligned with structural load cases and manufacturing constraints. Performs structural analysis in collaboration with stress engineering to validate strength, stiffness, fatigue, and damage tolerance requirements. Interfaces closely with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability and smooth transition into production. Supports prototype builds, first article inspections (FAI), and production ramp activities while resolving technical issues. Participates in material selection, process selection including autoclave, OOA, and RTM, and design trade studies. Generates and maintains engineering documentation including specifications, reports, change notices, and configuration management records. Supports customer technical reviews, design audits, and certification activities. Drives continuous improvement in composite design standards, modeling practices, and engineering processes.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR)
• Extensive experience in composite structural design within the aerospace industry
• Strong proficiency in CAD modeling, FEA, and drafting tools including CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent
• Deep understanding of composite materials, laminate theory, ply orientation strategy, and aerospace structural requirements
• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory standards and quality systems such as AS9100
• Experience working closely with manufacturing teams in a production environment
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required
• 10+ years of experience in a similar role

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Project management experience preferred
• Preferred specific composites and aerospace industry experience

Responsibilities

• Leads design and development of composite structures and components
• Ensures compliance with aerospace performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability requirements
• Creates and reviews 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering release packages using CAD software
• Develops laminate schedules, ply books, and composite stack-ups
• Performs structural analysis in collaboration with stress engineering
• Interfaces closely with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain teams
• Supports prototype builds, first article inspections (FAI), and production ramp activities
• Participates in material selection, process selection, and design trade studies
• Generates and maintains engineering documentation
• Supports customer technical reviews, design audits, and certification activities
• Drives continuous improvement in composite design standards, modeling practices, and engineering processes

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)
• Bonus potential
• Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior