Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)
Amentum
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) is seeking a seasoned composite engineer to join our MSFC programs in Huntsville. You will design, analyze, and manufacture composite structures for launch vehicles and spacecraft, working closely with NASA teams to meet strict requirements.
Ideal candidates bring 10–15+ years in aerospace composites, hands-on experience with autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and lamination design, and proficiency in CAD/FEA tools such as CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Abaqus, ANSYS or
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, materials engineering, or related field.
- 10–15+ years of experience with composite materials and aerospace structures.
- Experience with laminate design, basic FEA, and mechanical/thermal load assessment.
- Hands-on familiarity with autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, or RTM/VARTM.
- Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Abaqus, ANSYS, or Nastran).
Responsibilities
- Design and analyze composite components for aerospace structures.
- Develop laminate schedules, evaluate material behavior, and assess performance under loads.
- Support FEA modelling including buckling and failure analysis.
- Collaborate with MSFC teams to develop composite solutions.
- Assist with testing plans, NDI evaluation, and verification activities.
- Maintain documentation and comply with engineering processes.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED your growth is our priority! That’s why we offer an array of exciting opportunities for your career development. From the transformative Team Lead Academy to education reimbursement, personalized mentoring, and engaging company-sponsored networking events, you have the power to shape your professional journey in a way that aligns with your aspirations.
At the heart of our thriving business are the incredible people who make it all possible. We celebrate a vibrant array of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Here, we foster an environment where everyone—employees, clients, and partners alike—are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Our extensive benefits package is designed with your health in mind. Enjoy wellness programs, paid holidays, generous time off, employee perks, and so much more. We’re here to help you achieve a harmonious balance in your life—both at work and at home.
Our dynamic team consists of 10 companies united in a single mission: to venture from Moon to Mars and beyond. Join us on this extraordinary adventure!
This role supports composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) programs. The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC-specific requirements and advanced spaceflight applications. Must be a US citizen and have a STAR ID.
- Perform design and analysis of composite components for aerospace structures.
- Develop laminate schedules, evaluate material behavior, and assess structural performance under mechanical and thermal loads.
- Support FEA modeling activities including linear and basic non-linear analysis, buckling checks, and failure assessments.
- Participate in trade studies and support requirements development.
- Work directly with MSFC engineering teams, suppliers, and other contractors to develop composite solutions.
- Support design reviews (PDR, CDR) by preparing presentation materials and technical documentation.
- Contribute to testing plans, NDI evaluation, and verification activities as needed.
- Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion processes.
- Participate in tooling reviews, process development, and troubleshooting of manufacturing issues.
- Assist with material evaluation, process documentation, and coordination with manufacturing engineering.
- Support composite component testing, data review, and correlation activities.
- Assist with structural test planning, failure investigation activities, and corrective action discussions.
- Maintain configuration, documentation, and compliance with engineering processes.
- Communicate effectively across disciplines and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, materials engineering, or related field.
- 10–15+ years of experience working with composite materials and structural components (aerospace preferred).
- Experience with composite laminate design, basic FEA, and mechanical/thermal load assessment.
- Hands‑on familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, or RTM/VARTM.
- Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Abaqus, ANSYS, or Nastran).
- Ability to work within structured engineering processes and deliver high‑quality technical documentation.
- Experience supporting spaceflight, launch vehicle, or defense composite structures.
- Exposure to cryogenic composites, pressure vessels, or large‑scale aerospace structures.
- Familiarity with NASA/MSFC standards or similar government requirements.
- Experience with NDI methods such as UT, thermography, or X‑ray.
- Scripting or automation experience (Python, MATLAB).
Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co‑workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%). Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).
Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).
Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).
Normal workday 7:30-4:30, Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity, and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
#ESSCA #ASED #Amentum
SME1
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
- Educational reimbursement
- Parental leave
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tax‑saving options
- Disability and life insurance
- Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
08/20/2026 - 09/24/2026
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.
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