Composites Engineer

Lockheed Martin•Orlando, FL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) is seeking a Composites Development Lab Research Engineer to support laboratory operations and execute development efforts in advanced composite materials and processes. This role combines hands-on lab execution with applied research and development. The selected candidate will support daily lab activities while contributing to internal research (IRAD) and program-driven efforts. The engineer will operate in a hands-on lab environment and collaborate across design, materials and processes (M&P), manufacturing, and test organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
Exposure to composite materials and processes (academic or professional)
Demonstrated hands-on engineering experience working directly with tools, materials, and hardware in a lab, shop, or similar environment (e.g., fabrication, assembly, mechanical testing, or prototyping activities)
Experience with 3D CAD modeling tools (Creo preferred)
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving capability
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
Able to obtain a secret clearance

Nice To Haves

Practical experience with composites across multiple domains: Design, Materials and Processes (M&P), Manufacturing methods (prepreg, infusion, RTM, etc.), Testing and inspection techniques
Experience in mechanical design and development
Experience executing or supporting research and development efforts (including proposal writing, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting)
Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis
Exposure to structural and/or thermal analysis methods
Experience supporting hardware builds, integration, or testing
Experience with NDI methods (ultrasound, shearography, radiography, etc.)
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting lab equipment
Experience with configuration management and engineering release processes
Experience coordinating with manufacturing and/or suppliers to ensure producibility and cost-effective designs
Familiarity with missile systems or military hardware
Experience operating within an aerospace or defense IPT environment
Experience independently executing scoped technical efforts or leading small projects

Responsibilities

Support daily operations of a composites development laboratory
Execute hands-on composite manufacturing processes (tooling design, tool prep, wet layup, prepreg layup, resin infusion, oven/autoclave cure, assembly)
Create and maintain 3D CAD models and engineering drawings to support tooling and hardware development
Perform tolerance stack-ups and ensure fit, form, and function of assemblies
Assist in development and maturation of composite materials, processes, and tooling approaches
Support inspection and evaluation activities (NDI, visual inspection, dimensional verification)
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot lab equipment and tooling to ensure reliable and repeatable operation
Plan and execute experiments, including test setup, data collection, and reporting
Support design trade studies and concept evaluations
Contribute to and progressively take ownership of IRAD efforts, including proposal development, execution, schedule and budget tracking, and technical reporting
Present technical results to internal stakeholders and leadership
Participate in design reviews and technical interchange meetings
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and suppliers, to ensure producibility and cost-effective designs and to transition lab-developed concepts into program applications
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and configuration control requirements