Composite Structural Engineer

Continuous Composites Inc•Coeur d Alene, ID

About The Position

Continuous Composites Inc. is seeking a skilled and motivated Composite Structural Engineer to join its engineering team in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The role focuses on designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and validating advanced composite structures for aerospace and defense applications. The engineer will work with cross-functional teams to develop solutions that meet performance and manufacturability requirements in a hands-on, fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position includes mechanical design and analysis of composite components, stress and thermal analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis, CAD modeling, and support for prototyping, manufacturing, and testing. The engineer will also help the sales team prepare cost estimates and timelines for composite design and testing work. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and lawfully able to work on ITAR or controlled information as a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62. Continuous Composites generally does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

5–15 years of experience in the design, analysis, and/or manufacturing of polymer matrix composites.
Ability to develop structural concepts and designs for flight-critical airframe components, including composite and metallic structures.
Experience performing detailed sizing and analysis using classical methods and FEA.
Experience collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
Familiarity with classical laminate theory (CLT).
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
Proficiency in CAD and FEA software such as SolidWorks, Onshape, Altair, or similar.
Experience designing tooling for composite manufacturing.
Strong understanding of composite material properties, manufacturing processes, and failure theories.
Excellent written and visual communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and lawfully able to work on ITAR or controlled information as a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62.

Nice To Haves

Experience with UAV, space, or other aerospace structural designs.
Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Hands-on experience with composite fabrication processes.
Background in a fast-paced R&D or development environment.
Familiarity with out-of-autoclave and autoclave-cured composite structures.
Strong knowledge of aerospace industry standards, specifications, and best practices.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, analyze, manufacture, and test primary and secondary composite structures.
Conduct mechanical design and analysis of composite components.
Collaborate with team leads, suppliers, and engineers across design, stress, and Materials & Processes teams.
Support manufacturing to ensure successful builds and validation.
Apply knowledge of load paths and the mechanics of composite materials.
Perform stress and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools.
Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations.
Model composite structures using CAD software such as SolidWorks or Onshape.
Use FEA software for structural analysis and validation.
Develop detailed cost estimates and timelines for the design and testing of composite geometries to support the sales team.