Composite Design Engineer

The Structures Company; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

Job summary

The Structures Company is seeking a Composite Design Engineer to join a national aerospace staffing team in Santa Ana, CA. The role involves leading composite structure design, creating 3D models, and coordinating with manufacturing and quality teams.

Applicants should have extensive aerospace composite experience, CAD proficiency (CATIA/NX/SolidWorks), and a BS in a related field. Clearance eligibility is required and a competitive pay rate applies.

Qualifications

• Experience in composite structural design within aerospace/defense industries.
• Strong CAD modeling and drafting skills with CATIA, NX or SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of laminate theory and aerospace material behavior.

Responsibilities

• Leads design and development of composite structures and components meeting performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability goals.
• Creates and reviews 3D models and drawings using CATIA/NX/SolidWorks; prepares release packages.
• Develops laminate schedules, ply books, and stack-ups aligned with load cases and manufacturing constraints.
• Performs structural analysis with stress engineering to verify strength and fatigue requirements.
• Interfaces with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain for DFM and production ramp.
• Supports prototypes, first article inspections, and design changes; drives process improvements.

Skills

Composite design

CAD modeling

FEA

AS9100 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace / Mechanical / Materials

Tools

CATIA

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

JOB TITLE: Composite Design Engineer

LOCATION: Santa Ana, CA

PAY RATE: $150,000-175,000/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details

• Job Type: Contract (Full Time)
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)
• Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier
• Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.
• Shift: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM.

Qualifying Questions

• Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?
• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?
• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary

• Leads design and development of composite structures and components ensuring compliance with aerospace performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability requirements.
• Creates and reviews 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering release packages using CAD software such as CATIA, NX, and SolidWorks.
• Develops laminate schedules, ply books, and composite stack-ups aligned with structural load cases and manufacturing constraints.
• Performs structural analysis in collaboration with stress engineering to validate strength, stiffness, fatigue, and damage tolerance requirements.
• Interfaces closely with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability and smooth transition into production.
• Supports prototype builds, first article inspections (FAI), and production ramp activities while resolving technical issues.
• Participates in material selection, process selection including autoclave, OOA, and RTM, and design trade studies.
• Generates and maintains engineering documentation including specifications, reports, change notices, and configuration management records.
• Supports customer technical reviews, design audits, and certification activities.
• Drives continuous improvement in composite design standards, modeling practices, and engineering processes.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).
• Extensive experience in composite structural design within the aerospace industry.
• Strong proficiency in CAD modeling, FEA, and drafting tools including CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of composite materials, laminate theory, ply orientation strategy, and aerospace structural requirements.
• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory standards and quality systems such as AS9100.
• Experience working closely with manufacturing teams in a production environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Preferred specific composites and aerospace industry experience.

About Us

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense