Aerospace AFP Engineer II: Composites & Automation

Firefly Aerospace; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Educational/relocation reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Engineer to develop and optimize AFP layup processes for aerospace components. You will generate ply programs using Ingersoll Gen2, Vericut, and related tools, ensure alignment with design intent, and work with design, NC programming, operations, quality and maintenance teams to improve yield and reduce cycle time.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or similar and at least 5 years in carbon fiber aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5 years experience in carbon fiber composite aerospace manufacturing.
• Automated Fiber Placement experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software and AFP Programming.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated track record of driving process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee AFP ply programs for composite parts using Ingersoll Gen2 and Vericut tools, ensuring design intent and manufacturing constraints are met.
• Translate models and lamination schedules into executable AFP paths with correct fiber orientation and boundaries.
• Support machine setup, calibration, and laser alignment for production runs.
• Analyze and optimize machine pathing to reduce defects and improve efficiency.
• Validate AFP programs with simulations and dry runs, and assist with production start-ups.
• Collaborate with design engineering for manufacturability feedback on AFP parts.
• Investigate and resolve AFP-related issues with maintenance and technical support.
• Contribute to tooling design reviews for compatibility with AFP head dimensions and laser projection.

Skills

Automated Fiber Placement experience

CAD software proficiency

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AFP Programming

Ingersoll Gen2

Vericut (VCP/VCS)

Vericut Composite Programming/Simulation

CAD software

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Engineer to develop and optimize AFP layup processes for aerospace components. You will generate ply programs using Ingersoll Gen2, Vericut, and related tools, ensure alignment with design intent, and work with design, NC programming, operations, quality and maintenance teams to improve yield and reduce cycle time.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or similar and at least 5 years in carbon fiber aerospace