This position supports advanced defense and intelligence programs focused on developing next-generation technologies and mission-critical systems for national security applications. The engineering team works closely with customers and internal development organizations to support high-impact production, R&D, testing, and manufacturing initiatives involving advanced composite materials and processes.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge engineering efforts supporting aerospace and defense systems while working in a highly collaborative environment focused on innovation, manufacturing excellence, and technical problem-solving.
Location: Marion, VA (100% On-Site)
Travel: Infrequent to up to 10%
Clearance Requirement: Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
Key responsibilities include
Lead engineering tasks and small projects involving advanced composite materials and manufacturing processes
Support production root cause investigations related to materials and processes, and recommend corrective actions
Support qualification testing activities, including test plans, execution support, and test reporting
Contribute to internal R&D initiatives and feasibility studies for new and modified designs
Develop and maintain process specifications, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation
Participate in proposal support activities, including technical writing and cost estimation
Identify technical and program risks and support mitigation planning
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
Key technical areas include
Polymer matrix composite manufacturing
Hand lay-up and autoclave cure processes
Adhesive bonding
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
Composite materials testing and qualification
Process development and quality/process controls
Engineering drawings and specification interpretation
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM discipline
5+ years of related engineering experience
OR
Masters degree with 3+ years of related experience
Experience with composite manufacturing processes and materials engineering
Knowledge of epoxy, BMI, polyimide, and cyanate ester resin systems
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret Clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications
Coatings experience
Electroless plating and electroplating processes
Composite process implementation and operator training
Materials testing and qualification methods
C2 Essentials is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Headquartered in Northern Virginia for over 20 years, C2 Essentials is a strategic HR Outsourcing company. C2 provides Benefit & Healthcare Reform Management; Recruiting; Payroll & Tax Administration; Employer Liability Management services; and Federal Contract services with its industry-leading ASO and PEO models. C2 is not a placement agency or a headhunter, we are the backend office providing HR and recruiting support to our customers so they are focusing on servicing their customers and building their core competencies. Our clients count on C2 recruiters to source qualified candidates for their government contracts. C2 has a successful track record of locating individuals with unique qualifications, skill sets or professional experiences. Through careful attention to the job requirements, in-depth screening, interviewing and evaluation of candidates C2 has developed a unique methodology in sourcing the right candidates for our clients’ various programs.