Composite Design Engineer, Experienced

What You’ll Do:

It’s in the name, Scaled Composites. For a variety of reasons, Scaled typically builds our airplanes out of composite materials. And the skillset to design structures out of composites is unique. But then again, so are we. The work of this role typically starts with an outer mold line (OML) and a set of high level requirements. From there, the composite design engineer develops a structural concept, defines detailed requirements, and sets about designing and analyzing a structure that meets the needs of the airplane. While there will be a fair share of brackets and door handles, this role will typically own a significant chunk of the structure required of the program. This will vary based on size and complexity, but responsibility for the wing, fuselage, empennage, cabin, or even all of the above is likely.

We are looking to add experienced composites design engineers to our team. Ideally, these candidates would have the capability and drive to evolve into leadership positions in rather quick fashion. If you’ve worked on composite aircraft structures in depth, and can bring a significant body of knowledge and abilities on day one, please consider applying!

Category: Engineering

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching

About Scaled

Founded by visionary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes and spacecraft for over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope.

We honor that legacy today by doing what we’ve always done - seeking out the hardest problems in aerospace and having fun while solving them. With an average of a new design first flight for every year of our existence, there is no better place to practice the arts and science of new aircraft development than here at Scaled.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Performing conceptual design, structural layout, sizing, and detailed design

Generating detailed fabrication and assembly work instructions

Conducting stress analysis utilizing classical methods and performing laminate analysis and sizing for structural components

Providing hands-on manufacturing and assembly support

Contributing to ground and flight test planning, execution, and aircraft modifications

Demonstrating proficiency in understanding and designing primary and secondary load paths

Creating comprehensive 3D/2D definitions of parts, assemblies, and installations

Establishing manufacturing tolerances using GD&T principles

Actively participating in Engineering definition reviews, approvals, and release processes

Supporting the review of manufacturing plans and procedures

Assisting in the creation of structural test plans

A commitment to continuous learning, encompassing a readiness to acquire any necessary skills and knowledge essential to effectively support the program

Mentoring other early-career engineers based on personal experience and domain knowledge

Required Qualifications:

5+ years of relevant composite aircraft structure design experience

Foundational knowledge of aircraft load paths, structural sizing, and composite manufacturing / assembly

Strong understanding of the theory and practical application of composite structures and their application to aircraft

Proficiency in 3D Computer Aided Design

Great verbal and written communication skills

Great interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

Ability to work in isolation with minimal supervision as well as on large teams

Ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines on an aggressive schedule

Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline or substantial equivalent experience

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in leading and managing teams of engineers

Proficiency in Siemens NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks

Proficiency in FEMAP or other finite element analysis software

GD&T experience and knowledge of ASME Y14.5M-1994

Prior rapid prototyping experience

Hands-on design and build experience

Aerospace experience (work history, pilot’s license, experimental aircraft building, etc.)

DoD Clearance

Essential Job Functions:

Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach

May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials ( Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds

Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, aircraft avionics)

Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)

Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time

Ability to write for extended periods of time

Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time

May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc.

Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds

Ability to converse and communicate information with others

Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration

Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis

Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)