Composite Materials & Process Engineer

General Plastics & Composites LP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Plastics & Composites LP in Houston, TX, seeks a composites engineer to evaluate and support material selection across carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid fibers, core materials, adhesives, and resin systems.

You will develop specifications, conduct material testing, review supplier data, lead root cause investigations, and collaborate with manufacturing to improve process reliability and product performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related engineering field.
• 2+ years of experience in composites or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Familiarity with quality systems and process controls.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and support selection of composite materials (CFRP, GFRP, aramids) and resin systems.
• Develop and maintain material specifications, standards, and qualification requirements.
• Perform material testing to verify mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for manufacturing issues.
• Support NPIs and implementation of new materials and technologies.
• Coordinate testing, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Skills

Composite materials

Materials engineering

Engineering drawings

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related engineering

Tools

ASTM/ISO/SAE standards

Job description

Expertly evaluate and support the selection of composite materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid fibers, core materials, adhesives, and resin systems.

• Develop, maintain, and update material specifications, standards, and qualification requirements.
• Perform material testing and characterization to verify mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance.
• Review supplier‑provided material data and support material qualification and approval processes.
• Assess material alternatives by comparing performance, manufacturability, availability, and cost to recommend the most suitable solution for each application.
• Support the evaluation, qualification, and implementation of new materials and advanced composite technologies to improve product performance and manufacturability.

Process Engineering

• Develop, document, and improve composite manufacturing processes.
• Establish process specifications, manufacturing instructions, and quality requirements.

Support manufacturing methods including:

• Hand layup
• Compression molding
• Autoclave curing
• Composite assembly and bonding

• Define critical process parameters and process control methods.
• Support process validation and qualification activities.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide day‑to‑day technical support to production operations.
• Investigate manufacturing issues involving defects, yield loss, porosity, delamination, dimensional variation, or cure‑related concerns.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with operators and supervisors to improve process consistency and productivity.
• Support manufacturing readiness activities for new product introduction (NPI).

Testing & Failure Analysis

• Coordinate and perform material and process validation testing.
• Analyze failures related to composite structures, bonding, environmental exposure, and manufacturing defects.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Support qualification testing for customer and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, cycle time, and manufacturing costs.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to process improvement projects.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to improve process capability and repeatability.
• Support automation and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
• Support customer technical reviews and audits when required.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in composites engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, or a related role.
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and materials.
• Knowledge of polymer matrix composites and composite fabrication methods.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with manufacturing documentation, process controls, and quality systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, energy, industrial equipment, marine, automotive, or sporting goods industries.
• Familiarity with composite material testing standards (ASTM, ISO, SAE, or equivalent)
• Understanding of composite inspection methods including ultrasonic and non‑destructive testing (NDT)
• Experience performing failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Technical curiosity and continuous learning
• Structured problem solving
• Strong attention to detail
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Initiative and accountability
• Customer‑focused mindset

Technical Skills

• Thermoset resin systems
• Core materials and adhesives

Process Knowledge

• Autoclave processing
• Prepreg manufacturing
• Process validation
• Tooling and fixture development
• Manufacturing process controls

Analytical Tools

• Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, 8D)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Data analysis and reporting

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Lab and office‑based role with visits to manufacturing sites as needed.
• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Adherence to all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements is mandatory.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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