Principal Composites Engineer

Fiber Dynamics, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fiber Dynamics, Inc. seeks a Principal Composites Engineer to lead end-to-end development of high-performance aerospace and industrial composite components, guiding design, analysis, manufacturing, and certification.

In this senior role, you will mentor engineers, partner with customers and production teams, and ensure FAA and ITAR compliance while pursuing innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in composite structure design and manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of composite materials, processes, and structural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead on major composite development programs.
• Lead design, analysis, and optimization of advanced composite structures (prepreg, RTM, infusion, high-temperature systems).
• Develop and validate structural models using FEA, laminate theory, and ply-level analysis.
• Drive manufacturability, tooling, and process engineering from prototype through production.
• Collaborate with customers to define requirements and deliver innovative solutions.
• Interface with cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, operations, program management).
• Author and review specifications, analysis reports, test plans, and work instructions.
• Mentor engineers and technicians, and support continuous improvement and R&D.
• Ensure compliance with customer, FAA, and ITAR requirements.
• Support new business development, industry engagement, and intellectual property growth.

Skills

Strong communication

Technical writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Abaqus

ANSYS

Job description

Fiber Dynamics is seeking a Principal Composites Engineer to lead the development of high-performance aerospace and industrial composite components. This senior technical role provides end-to-end leadership across design, analysis, manufacturing, and certification, while mentoring engineers and partnering closely with customers and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead on major composite development programs.
• Lead design, analysis, and optimization of advanced composite structures (prepreg, RTM, infusion, high-temperature systems).
• Develop and validate structural models using FEA, laminate theory, and ply‑level analysis.
• Drive manufacturability, tooling, and process engineering from prototype through production.
• Collaborate with customers to define requirements and deliver innovative solutions.
• Interface with cross‑functional teams (engineering, quality, operations, program management).
• Author and review specifications, analysis reports, test plans, and work instructions.
• Mentor engineers and technicians, and support continuous improvement and R&D.
• Ensure compliance with customer, FAA, and ITAR requirements.
• Support new business development, industry engagement, and intellectual property growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in composite structure design and manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of composite materials, processes, and structural analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), FEA (Abaqus, ANSYS), and composite design tools.
• Proven success leading complex composite development programs.
• Strong communication, technical writing, and leadership skills.

EEO-race/gender/veteran/disabled/sexual orientation/gender identity