Senior Composites Design Engineer

Orenco-Systems; Sutherlin (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Orenco Systems in Oregon seeks a Senior Composite Design Engineer to lead the design of FRP infrastructure products such as tanks, buildings, and covers. The role emphasizes closed-mold methods (RTM, vacuum infusion) and applying structural engineering principles to meet regulatory codes.

The engineer will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, guide validation and testing, and travel to project sites and industry events as needed to support manufacturing and QA/QC processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of composite product design experience; 10+ years preferred.
• Expertise in closed-mold processes (RTM, vacuum infusion).
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure codes and standards (IBC, ASCE, AASHTO).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and structural analysis tools.
• PE license is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of FRP infrastructure products.
• Collaborate with sales and project teams to tailor solutions.
• Drive value engineering and cost reduction in designs.
• Oversee manufacturing processes and material selection.
• Perform structural analysis and guide validation/testing.

Skills

Composite design

3D CAD modeling

Structural analysis

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Civil/Structural or Materials Science

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS / SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Wish your job made a difference?

Our mission is protecting the world's water. We work every day to support the sustainability of our most precious resource, so our people know what they're doing matters.

Join our team and do work that matters. Visit www.orenco.com/jobs to learn more or check out the official job description (below).

Company Description:

Orenco Systems, Inc. (subsidiary of Infiltrator Water Technologies) is a manufacturer of innovative onsite and decentralized wastewater collection and treatment technologies. Solutions include community collection systems, advanced secondary treatment systems, watertight fiberglass tanks, and in-tank pumping and filtration systems. Orenco also manufactures high-quality standard, custom, and OEM controls, along with state-of-the-art fiberglass buildings, tanks, and enclosures.

Infiltrator Water Technologies is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. We sell our products through wholesale distribution across the United States and Canada for use on properties with onsite wastewater treatment systems.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Composite Design Engineer will lead the development and design of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer composite products for infrastructure applications. This engineer leader will utilize their strong background in composite materials and processes, particularly in closed molding methods such as RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) and vacuum infusion, structural engineering capabilities and knowledge of infrastructure and related codes to develop infrastructure products like tanks, buildings, covers, and other structural components.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and KRA (Key Result Areas):

Safety/Culture

• Continuously maintains Orenco management's safety, cultural, and professional standards.
• Promotes, encourages, and reinforces a positive safety culture, safe practices, and a safe work environment to all employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of FRP composite products for infrastructure applications.
• Collaborate with the Composite Sales Manager to develop tailored design solutions for customer projects.
• Collaborate with the Composite Sales Manager to identify new product development opportunities and cultivate strategic OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) relationships that drive innovation and long‑term business growth.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to enhance design efficiency and reduce cost.
• Oversee and optimize manufacturing processes, especially closed molding techniques (RTM, vacuum infusion).
• Collaborate on material selection, including resins, reinforcements, core materials, adhesives, and coatings.
• Interpret and apply relevant codes and standards (e.g., IBC (International Building Code), AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), etc.) to ensure code compliance in structural designs.
• Perform structural analysis and guide product testing and validation.
• Work closely with the retiring engineer through a transition period to absorb institutional knowledge, processes, and legacy designs.
• Support cross‑functional teams including production, QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control), sales, and product and project management.
• Interface with customers, certification agencies, and third‑party engineers as needed.
• Represent the company at key composite industry events (e.g., trade shows, technical conferences) to stay current with industry trends and strengthen professional networks.

>> Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is required.

>> Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in composite product design ( 10 + years preferred).
• Expertise in closed‑mold composite processes
• Strong structural engineering capabilities and working knowledge of composite materials - resins, fibers, cores, adhesives, etc.
• Familiarity with infrastructure products and relevant codes and standards for infrastructure (IBC, ACI (American Concrete Institute), AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction), ASCE, AASHTO, ASTM).
• Proficiency in 3D modeling CAD (Computer‑aided design) (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.). SolidWorks preferred.
• Proficiency in structural analysis tools desired, but not required (e.g., FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software like ANSYS (Engineering Simulation Software), SolidWorks Simulation, or similar).
• PE (Professional Engineer) license is highly beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills and documentation practices.
• Ability to be flexible and change priorities with little notice.
• Ability to use sound judgement and follow through in problem solving and decision‑making processes.
• Must be willing and able to travel. Must be able to comply with current travel regulations and guidelines of airlines and destination locations.
• Must be able to meet and maintain Orenco's approved driver criteria; a valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, current insurance on personal vehicle, and meet company insurability requirements.

TOOLS and EQUIPMENT:

Computer

General office equipment

Multi line phone and/or VoIP

Vehicle

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primarily indoor/outdoor working environment including time in production areas and at project sites. Travel requirements may include operation of a motor vehicle, airplane travel, and overnight stays in temporary lodging. May require the ability to visit project sites that are situated on a variety of developed and undeveloped terrain/locations. Includes exposure to outside weather conditions and occasional exposure to dust and other outside elements that may require the proper use of PPE (personal protective equipment) including but not limited to gloves. Work to be done during manufacturing business hours, however this position may on occasion work outside business hours to support department and business needs. Occasionally long hours may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regular job duties include seeing, speaking, hearing, reading, writing, legible handwriting, keyboarding, prolonged periods of sitting including extended time viewing a computer screen. Intermittent physical activity includes but is not limited to touching, holding, grasping, pushing, pulling, reaching above shoulders and below knees, low back bending, twisting, turning, kneeling, crawling, stooping, squatting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs and ladders. Unassisted light lifting and/or carrying of under 20 lbs. is required. May also include occasional unassisted lifting and/or carrying of up to 50 lbs., lifting and/or carrying over 50 lbs. must be assisted. Operation of a motor vehicle and/or airplane travel may be required. Travel needs are determined by the department supervisory staff based on business need, required skill base, and assigned job tasks and responsibilities. Travel may require the ability to visit project sites that are situated on a variety of developed and undeveloped terrain/locations.