Aerospace Composite Structures Test Design Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid parental leave

Mentorship program

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a senior design engineer specializing in mechanical and composite structures for engine test applications. You will lead design, analysis, and manufacturing support across the product lifecycle, delivering robust, manufacturable solutions for high-performance environments.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of aerospace or advanced manufacturing experience, strong GD&T and materials knowledge, and proficiency with Creo/Windchill, NX, FiberSIM, or TeamCenter to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Advanced STEM degree with 8+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven project ownership and execution mindset.
• Experience with mechanical and composite design processes including machining, joints & fasteners, welding, and composite structures.

Responsibilities

• Execute design, analysis, and evaluation activities using engineering principles and standards.
• Serve as design/structures engineer for hybrid composite-metal assemblies in engine test stands.
• Support conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design through product lifecycle.
• Assist with validation, customer approvals, manufacturing support, and servicing.

Skills

Mechanical design

Composite design

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Machining

Welding

Joints and fasteners

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Advanced Engineering degree

Tools

Creo/Windchill

NX

FiberSIM

TeamCenter

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

Job Description:

The Ground Test Division designs, manufactures, and services test equipment supporting development and aftermarket engine programs for major engine manufacturers. This role offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, including customer requirement analysis, quoting support, design development, customer approvals, manufacturing support, repair development, and operational servicing.

The engineer will support the design and development of complete assemblies, subcomponents, and support equipment used for engine testing, storage, and handling applications. This position requires strong expertise in mechanical and composite structures design, engineering analysis, manufacturability, and repair development within aerospace or similar high-performance industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute design, analysis, and evaluation activities using sound engineering principles and industry standards
• Function as a design/structures engineer for hybrid composite-metallic assemblies used in engine test stands
• Support conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design activities throughout the product lifecycle
• Assist with validation, customer approvals, manufacturing support, and operational servicing activities

Composite & Mechanical Structures Design

• Support material selection and laminate architecture development
• Generate detail and assembly-level CAD models and component designs
• Design composite and mechanical structures including joints, fasteners, welded assemblies, and bonded structures
• Support design-to-surface activities where applicable
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure component manufacturability
• Assist with manufacturing process development and provide shop floor engineering support when required
• Evaluate operational damage and develop repair solutions to restore components to acceptable requirements
• Review and disposition nonconforming materials against technical specifications
• Support vendor management through quote reviews and technical requirement modifications
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders throughout design and manufacturing activities
• Present engineering findings and technical recommendations to management and customers

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) reduction initiatives
• Drive process improvements and challenge existing engineering methods where appropriate
• Ensure compliance with engineering methodologies, configuration management, and quality standards
• Utilize engineering judgment, technical expertise, and data analysis to resolve complex technical challenges

Production & Technical Support

• Provide engineering and technical support within manufacturing and production environments
• Assist teams in troubleshooting design and manufacturing-related issues
• Support product reliability, quality, and long‑term serviceability initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) with:
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, OR
• Advanced STEM degree with minimum 8 years of relevant experience
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving capabilities
• Proven project ownership and execution mindset
• Experience developing technical concepts with internal and external customers
• Experience with mechanical and composite design processes including:
• Machining
• Joints and fasteners
• Welding
• Composite structures
• Strong GD&T knowledge including tolerance analysis and interpretation

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering
• Experience with CAD tools such as Creo/Windchill (preferred), NX, FiberSIM, or TeamCenter
• Experience with Computer‑Aided Engineering (CAE) tools
• Experience with composite design, structural analysis, and manufacturing
• Familiarity with aerospace Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) methods including:
• Ultrasonic testing
• Eddy current
• FPI
• X‑ray inspection
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA)
• Understanding of manufacturing cost optimization and reproducibility
• Familiarity with product development, reliability, and quality control principles
• Experience with configuration management
• Hands‑on experience with fiber‑reinforced polymer composites including:
• Fiberglass
• Aramid
• Carbon prepreg
• Experience with advanced composite and bonded structures design and manufacturing

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced aerospace or advanced manufacturing design engineer with strong composite and mechanical structures expertise
• Comfortable working across the complete product lifecycle from concept through operational support
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with customers, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams
• Hands‑on engineering problem solver with strong technical ownership mindset
• Passionate about engineering innovation, manufacturability, and continuous improvement

Work Authorization

• Due to client requirements, only candidates who are U.S. Citizens are eligible for consideration for this position.

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.