Composite Structural Engineer

Continuous Composites LLC; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Continuous Composites, Inc. in Coeur d'Alene, ID, seeks a Composite Structural Engineer to design, analyze, and validate advanced composite structures for aerospace and defense.

You will work with cross-functional teams to develop innovative, manufacturable solutions that meet demanding performance criteria. This hands-on role requires strong CAD/FEA skills, experience with polymer matrix composites, and the ability to drive designs from concept through validation.

Qualifications

• 5–15 years of experience in polymer matrix composites design and analysis.
• Flight-critical airframe concepts including composite and metallic structures.
• Detailed sizing and analysis using classical methods and FEA.
• Manufacturability considerations with manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, analyze, manufacture, and test primary and secondary composite structures.
• Conduct mechanical design and analysis of composite components.
• Collaborate with team leads, suppliers, and engineers across design, stress, and M&P teams.
• Support manufacturing to ensure successful build and validation.
• Apply a strong understanding of load paths and mechanics of composite materials.
• Perform stress and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools.
• Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations.
• Model composite structures using CAD software (SolidWorks, Onshape).
• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for structural analysis and validation.
• Aid the sales team by developing detailed cost estimates and timelines.

Skills

Composite design concepts

FEA analysis

CAD

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

FEA software (Ansys/Altair)

Job description

Composite Structural Engineer

Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID

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At Continuous Composites Inc., we are redefining what is possible in advanced manufacturing. Our unique CF3D® technology for composite 3D printing opens new frontiers in Aerospace and Defense. We thrive on innovation, rapid iteration, and empowering every team member to take initiative and drive breakthrough solutions. Our mission is to transform industrial manufacturing through pioneering research, creative problem-solving, and relentless execution.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Composite Structural Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of advanced composite structures for aerospace and defense applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that meet demanding performance and manufacturability requirements. This is a hands‑on role ideal for engineers who thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of composite technology.

What You’ll Do

• Conceptualize, design, analyze, manufacture, and test primary and secondary composite structures.
• Conduct mechanical design and analysis of composite components.
• Collaborate with team leads, suppliers, and engineers across design, stress, and Materials & Processes (M&P) teams.
• Support manufacturing to ensure successful build and validation.
• Apply a strong understanding of load paths and fundamental mechanics of composite materials.
• Perform stress and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools.
• Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations.
• Model composite structures using CAD software (SolidWorks, Onshape).
• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for structural analysis and validation.
• Aid the sales team by developing detailed cost estimates and timelines for the design and testing of composite geometries.

What You’ll Bring

• 5–15 years of experience in the design, analysis, and/or manufacturing of polymer matrix composites.
• Proven ability to develop structural concepts and designs for flight‑critical airframe components, including composite and metallic structures.
• Experience performing detailed sizing and analysis using both classical methods and FEA.
• Strong collaboration with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost‑effective.
• Familiarity with classical laminate theory (CLT).
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA software (SolidWorks, OnShape, Altair, or similar).
• Experience designing tooling for composite manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of composite material properties, manufacturing processes, and failure theories.
• Excellent written and visual communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAV, space, or other aerospace structural designs.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with composite fabrication processes.
• Background in fast‑paced R&D or development environment.
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes, including out-of-autoclave and autoclave‑cured structures.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace industry standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Why Join Us?

Impact: Work on groundbreaking engineering challenges that will shape the future of manufacturing technology. Team: Join a passionate, empowered group of innovators committed to pushing the limits of what’s possible. Reward: Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits designed to support your growth and well‑being. If you are a driven engineer ready to make an impact in a fast‑paced, empowered startup environment, we want to hear from you. Continuous Composites, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. Candidates need to be lawfully able to work on ITAR or controlled information which requires that the applicant be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR 120.62.

Continuous Composites generally does not provide sponsorship for work visas.