Composite Design Engineer

JOB TITLE: Composite Design Engineer
LOCATION:Santa Ana, CA
PAY RATE: $150,000-175,000/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract (Full Time)

• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

• Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

• Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

• Shift: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Qualifying Questions:

• Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

• Leads design and development of composite structures and components ensuring compliance with aerospace performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability requirements.

• Creates and reviews 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering release packages using CAD software such as CATIA, NX, and SolidWorks.

• Develops laminate schedules, ply books, and composite stack-ups aligned with structural load cases and manufacturing constraints.

• Performs structural analysis in collaboration with stress engineering to validate strength, stiffness, fatigue, and damage tolerance requirements.

• Interfaces closely with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability and smooth transition into production.

• Supports prototype builds, first article inspections (FAI), and production ramp activities while resolving technical issues.

• Participates in material selection, process selection including autoclave, OOA, and RTM, and design trade studies.

• Generates and maintains engineering documentation including specifications, reports, change notices, and configuration management records.

• Supports customer technical reviews, design audits, and certification activities.

• Drives continuous improvement in composite design standards, modeling practices, and engineering processes.

Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

• Extensive experience in composite structural design within the aerospace industry.

• Strong proficiency in CAD modeling, FEA, and drafting tools including CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent.

• Deep understanding of composite materials, laminate theory, ply orientation strategy, and aerospace structural requirements.

• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory standards and quality systems such as AS9100.

• Experience working closely with manufacturing teams in a production environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in a similar role.

• Project management experience preferred.

• Preferred specific composites and aerospace industry experience.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!