Aerospace & Composites Application Development Manager
Location: Richmond, VA (Preferred) | Remote Considered
Travel: Approximately 25%, including international travel
MW Talent is partnering with an established specialty materials manufacturer to hire an Aerospace & Composites Application Development Manager. This position focuses on developing and commercializing advanced material solutions for aerospace and other high-performance applications, with an emphasis on composite materials, technical innovation, and customer collaboration.
The successful candidate will lead a global technical team while remaining actively involved in product and application development, material qualification, and strategic relationships with aerospace OEMs, suppliers, and industry partners.
The organization prefers candidates based in Richmond, VA, but will consider remote arrangements for highly qualified individuals.
Responsibilities
• Lead and develop a global technical team across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
• Drive new product and application development for advanced composite materials used in aerospace and related industries.
• Identify opportunities to expand the use of specialty materials in aircraft, spacecraft, and other high-performance applications.
• Collaborate directly with aerospace OEMs, Tier suppliers, and manufacturing partners to understand technical requirements and develop material solutions.
• Oversee material testing, evaluation, qualification, and specification activities to support customer adoption.
• Lead technical projects from initial concept and feasibility through validation, qualification, and commercialization.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership in composite materials, product performance, and application development.
• Partner with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and commercial teams to support new product launches and customer initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with customers, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support troubleshooting, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement of material applications.
• Communicate technical findings, project progress, and recommendations to internal leadership and external customers.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends, and opportunities for innovation within aerospace and advanced composites.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support customers, technical teams, and development initiatives.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aircraft, spacecraft, or aerospace-related design, engineering, or product development.
• Minimum 5 years of technical team leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of composite materials and their applications within aerospace or other high-performance industries.
• Experience developing, testing, qualifying, or commercializing new materials, products, or applications.
• Understanding of aerospace material qualification processes, specifications, and performance requirements.
• Experience collaborating with aerospace OEMs, suppliers, or industry partners on technical development initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and manage complex development projects.
• Ability to balance strategic technical leadership with hands-on engineering and product development responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to customers and leadership.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a customer-focused approach to technical development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across international teams and multiple business functions.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%, including international travel.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience with aramid-based materials, including Nomex, Kevlar, or similar high-performance fibers and composites.
• Experience with aerospace composite structures, advanced polymer systems, lightweight materials, or thermal protection applications.
• Direct experience working with major aerospace OEMs and Tier suppliers.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed or international technical teams.
• Knowledge of aerospace qualification standards, material specifications, and certification processes.
• Experience transitioning new materials or technologies from R&D through customer qualification and commercial adoption.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar customer relationship management platforms.
• Active U.S. or allied security clearance.
• Additional language proficiency and experience working with global customers or technical teams.