Advanced Materials & Process Engineer

Position: Advanced Materials & Process Engineer - Composites

Location: Marion, VA

Pay Range: $55.35 - $64.28/hour

About The Role

CPI is seeking an Advanced Materials & Process Engineer specializing in composites to support cutting-edge materials development for mission-critical defense programs. This role is 100% on-site and involves leading small engineering tasks or projects, supporting production investigations, and driving qualification testing for advanced composite systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic tasks or small engineering projects.
• Support production program root-cause investigations related to materials and processes; recommend corrective actions.
• Develop test plans, support on-site testing, and generate test reports for qualification activities.
• Support internal R&D efforts on composite materials and processes.
• Interpret technical, organizational, and process requirements and align them to overall project needs.
• Plan and execute small projects or task elements within larger engineering efforts.
• Deliver assigned engineering tasks on time and within budget.
• Identify technical and organizational risks and include them in mitigation plans.
• Contribute to proposals, including cost estimates and technical content.
• Participate in feasibility studies and testing of new or modified designs.
• Occasional travel up to 10%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field and 5 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree plus 3 years.
• Must be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience with polymer matrix composite manufacturing (hand lay-up/autoclave cure, adhesive bonding, RTM).
• Understanding of polymer chemistry for epoxy, BMI, polyimides, and cyanate ester resin systems.
• Experience writing process specs and work instructions for composite fabrication.
• Experience with composite materials testing—mechanical and thermal.
• Knowledge of chemical surface treatments, electroless/electroplating on non-metallic substrates, photoresist processes, and industrial etching.
• Experience implementing new processes, documentation, quality controls, and training operators.
• Strong interpretation of engineering drawings/specs; highly detail oriented.
• Analytical problem-solving ability.
• Coatings experience a plus.

Workplace Requirements

• 100% on-site in Marion, VA.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required due to government contract work.
• No subcontracting or third-party applicants.

Why Join CPI

• Take part in advancing next-generation composite materials used in critical defense applications.
• Join a cohesive team that values innovation, process improvements, and hands-on engineering.
• Enjoy a low-stress commute and outdoor lifestyle in the Virginia Highlands.
• Benefit from competitive pay, strong benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within CPI.

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT:

This assignment is a US Government Contract which requires all applicants to be US Citizens.

NO SUBCONTRACT REQUIREMENT:

No third-party applicants will be considered. If you are a third-party contracting company, please do not respond to this position.