Lead Composites Design Engineer - Vermont | Structures

BETA Technologies • South Burlington, VT

63d • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

In this role, you will lead the design and development of primary and secondary composite airframe structures, guiding a small team from initial layout studies through conceptual and detailed design phases. You will oversee tooling definition, collaborate closely with suppliers, and provide ongoing production support to ensure design integrity and manufacturability. How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation: Lead the design and development of composite aircraft structures, guiding a team of design engineers to deliver high-quality 3D models using 3DExperience Composites Part Design (CPD). Own a structural commodity driving its design strategy from concept through production release. Select and champion the optimal CPD methodologies in line with manufacturing constraints and certification requirements. Apply a deep understanding of composite materials and structural behavior to guide technical decisions and coach team members. Coordinate cross-functionally with Stress, Manufacturing, Tooling, and Supply Chain to ensure robust and producible designs that meet cost, weight, and schedule targets. Work directly with internal and external fabricators, providing technical guidance and resolving issues throughout the build process. Review and approve design packages to ensure full compliance with company guidelines, industry standards, and certification requirements. Contribute to process improvements, helping the organization mature design-release practices and configuration-management discipline. Apply knowledge of composite manufacturing processes to ensure designs are production-ready. Leverage experience in production and/or R&D environments to support practical, real-world solutions. Provide technical leadership in problem-solving, removing roadblocks for the team, and keeping the package on track. Prepare and oversee technical data packages to align suppliers and external partners with program needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent with a strong mechanical design focus).
• 10+ years of composite structures design experience in aerospace, including substantial exposure to commodity/package ownership.
• Proven expertise in composite structural concepts such as self-stiffened skins, frame construction, and sandwich skin/frame design, plus hands-on manufacturing insight.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (3DExperience or CATIA/ENOVIA preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor design engineers, set priorities, and drive team execution toward program milestones.
• Broad understanding of composites and hybrid composite/metallic structures, including related industry standards and certification requirements.
• Strong leadership aptitude, organizational skills, and communication abilities; effective in engaging cross-functional partners and resolving conflicts.
• Recognized as a self-starter and collaborative leader capable of solving technical challenges and delivering results under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of composite aircraft structures.
• Guide a team of design engineers to deliver high-quality 3D models using 3DExperience Composites Part Design (CPD).
• Own a structural commodity driving its design strategy from concept through production release.
• Select and champion the optimal CPD methodologies in line with manufacturing constraints and certification requirements.
• Apply a deep understanding of composite materials and structural behavior to guide technical decisions and coach team members.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Stress, Manufacturing, Tooling, and Supply Chain to ensure robust and producible designs that meet cost, weight, and schedule targets.
• Work directly with internal and external fabricators, providing technical guidance and resolving issues throughout the build process.
• Review and approve design packages to ensure full compliance with company guidelines, industry standards, and certification requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements, helping the organization mature design-release practices and configuration-management discipline.
• Apply knowledge of composite manufacturing processes to ensure designs are production-ready.
• Leverage experience in production and/or R&D environments to support practical, real-world solutions.
• Provide technical leadership in problem-solving, removing roadblocks for the team, and keeping the package on track.
• Prepare and oversee technical data packages to align suppliers and external partners with program needs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on skills, experience, and industry background.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees