Senior Aerospace Composite Design Engineer

Guided Search Partners; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Search Partners is seeking an experienced Senior Composite Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced aerospace composite structures. You will create lightweight, high-strength components and ensure compliance with FAA and DoD standards.

You will design 3D CAD models, run FEA, optimize laminate schedules, and collaborate with stress, manufacturing, and QA teams through qualification testing and certification efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years designing composite structures in aerospace.
• Extensive knowledge of carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb panels, prepregs, resins.
• Experience with primary and secondary aircraft structures.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop composite aerospace components and structural assemblies for commercial, military, and space applications.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and detailed manufacturing documentation using CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
• Develop laminate schedules, ply books, stack-up definitions, and material specifications for composite structures.
• Perform structural design activities including weight optimization, manufacturability, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Work with stress analysts to validate designs through FEA, static strength, fatigue, and damage tolerance assessments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to optimize tooling, layup methods, curing processes, and production workflows.
• Support prototype development, FAI, qualification testing, and certification efforts.
• Review supplier drawings, material certifications, and processes for compliance.
• Participate in design reviews including PDR, CDR, MRB, and customer technical meetings.
• Investigate production issues and provide root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer specs, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

CATIA

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

GD&T

Laminate schedules

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

HyperMesh

Job description

Guided Search Partners is seeking an experienced Senior Composite Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced aerospace composite structures. You will create lightweight, high-strength components and ensure compliance with FAA and DoD standards.

You will design 3D CAD models, run FEA, optimize laminate schedules, and collaborate with stress, manufacturing, and QA teams through qualification testing and certification efforts.