Senior Composites Designer

iCOMAT; Bristol; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock options

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Global impact

Job summary

A leading advanced manufacturing company in Bristol is seeking a Mid-Senior level Design Engineer specializing in composite part designs. You will collaborate with engineers, develop complex designs using CAD tools, and mentor junior team members. The ideal candidate has a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years of experience in composite design for aerospace or automotive industries. This role offers competitive salary and benefits, including stock options.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in composite design for aerospace or automotive industries.
• Familiarity with design standards and tolerancing.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and their manufacturing methods.
• Familiarity with design standards and tolerancing
• Analytical, communication, team skills
• Strong understanding of composite materials and their manufacturing methods (hand layup, automated deposition etc)
• Familiarity with FEA software will be considered a plus

Responsibilities

• Develop composite part designs using CAD tools.
• Work with engineers to ensure structural integrity and manufacturability.
• Lead design reviews and mentor junior team members.
• Define CPD models including layups, ply orientations, stacking sequences.
• Generate or review detailed drawings and 3D models, BOMs.
• Lead R&T projects from a technical perspective and support external customers.
• Mentor junior team members and support internal professional development.

Skills

Composite design

3D CAD software proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CATIA

Solidworks

Job description

Join iCOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing! iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company with game‑changing technology that delivers the lightest structures possible for aerospace and automotive, at a scale, rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We have ensured iCOMAT is made up of people with the drive and imagination to grow a business that will revolutionise the use of composite materials to enable the next generation of lightweight cars, planes and spacecraft. We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 and OEMs. The business has 3 main divisions that focus on the development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools and lastly the operation of the factory. Now working with >25 customers (multiple leading OEMs) and earlier this year we completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing (link) to fuel a significant scale‑up with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next 2‑3 years and expand operations into Europe and the US. The business currently has facilities in Gloucester UK (Factory 1), Bristol UK (Hardware R&D Centre) and in Athens GR (Software R&D Centre).

What will you be doing?

• Develop composite part designs (from conceptual to detailed designs) using CAD tools (CATIA, Solidworks etc)
• Work with stress, CAM, software and manufacturing engineers to ensure component structural integrity and manufacturability
• Develop a methodology for composite drawings that incorporate plies of varying orientations
• Define CPD models including detailed layups, ply orientations, stacking sequences, transition zones
• Generate or review and approve detailed drawings and 3D models, BOMs
• Participate in the development of processes for the creation of solid geometries from CPD models with varying ply thickness
• Generate and maintain documentation in‑line with company and industry standards
• Develop design principles for composite components and assemblies
• Support material selection, supplier selection and manufacturing process development
• Lead design reviews and support certification processes
• Aid in the standardisation and automation of design‑related processes
• Lead R&T projects from a technical perspective, define project plans and support external customers and project managers with technical updates
• Mentor junior team members and support internal professional development and training initiatives

What do we need from you?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical or other engineering disciplines
• Proven experience in composite design for aerospace or automotive industries (5 years)
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (CATIA preferable)
• Familiarity with design standards and tolerancing
• Analytical, communication, team skills
• Strong understanding of composite materials and their manufacturing methods (hand layup, automated deposition etc)
• Familiarity with FEA software will be considered a plus

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation‑Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward‑thinking work environment. Recognised by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.

Apply now

To learn more and join us on our exciting journey!

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Location

Bristol, England, United Kingdom