Senior Composite Materials & Process Engineer

Senior Composite Materials & Process Engineer

Onsite in Marion, VA

We are hiring a Senior Composite Materials & Process Engineer in Marion, VA, to support advanced composite manufacturing, materials engineering, and process development for mission-critical aerospace and defense systems. This role requires expertise in composite fabrication, autoclave curing, resin transfer molding (RTM), adhesive bonding, polymer chemistry, composite testing, and process specification development supporting advanced defense manufacturing and R&D initiatives

Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic engineering tasks or small projects to meet technical goals
• Investigate materials and process-related issues on production programs and propose technical solutions
• Support qualification testing: write test plans, assist with on-site testing, and generate test reports
• Contribute to Internal R&D (IRAD) projects focused on process innovation and material technologies
• Develop and write process specifications and work instructions for composite fabrication
• Participate in proposal development, including cost estimation and technical writing
• Engage in feasibility studies and testing of new and modified designs
• Execute project tasks within scope, schedule, and budget; identify and mitigate technical risks

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship is required by Federal Law
• Must be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field and 5 years of relevant experience (Or Master’s degree and 3 years of experience)
• Hands-on experience with composite manufacturing processes, including:
• Hand lay-up/autoclave cure
• Adhesive bonding
• Resin transfer molding (RTM)
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, including:
• Epoxy, BMI, polyimide, and cyanate ester resins
• Prepreg fabrics and unidirectional tapes
• Proficiency in:
• Composite materials testing (mechanical and thermal)
• Chemical surface treatments, electroplating, and metal etching on non-metallic substrates
• Spec development, operator training, and process control
• Experience with engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Familiarity with coatings is a plus
• Travel: Infrequent, up to 10%

Marion is nestled in the Virginia Highlands, abounding in beautiful countryside. State parks in all directions make it an outdoor paradise for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and/or just the simple pleasure of being outside amongst natural beauty. The Appalachian Trail runs through town, and Mt. Rogers is an easy day trip.

Big-city attractions are within a comfortable distance. Blacksburg, VA; Charlotte, NC; Knoxville, TN; and Bristol Motor Speedway are all within a two- to three-hour drive.

Marion's small size yields shorter commute times. In-town commutes average about 10 to 15 minutes. Nearby towns, such as Abingdon and Wytheville, offer more housing options while maintaining a short commute of less than an hour.