UAV Composite Design Engineer

Were looking for a Composite Design Engineer whos comfortable owning real airframe worknot just pretty CAD. Youll design the composite skin and internal structure for our fixed-wing UAVs, take parts from early concepts through production-ready releases, and work side-by-side with composites, structures, and integration to make sure what we design can actually be built, assembled, and maintained.

• Design composite airframe parts for fixed-wing UAVs: fuselage shells, wing skins, access panels, fairings, covers, and the internal structure that ties it all togetherribs, spars, bulkheads, frames, stiffeners, mounts.
• Build clean, well-organized 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks or 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA, keeping configurations and revisions under control.
• Make designs that are fabrication-friendly from day onethinking through bond lines, hard points, inserts, sandwich panels/cores, fastener strategy, trim lines, and load paths.
• Own the interfaces and packaging inside the airframe: battery and avionics bays, harness routing, antennas, payload mounting, cooling/venting, service access, and the little details that save hours during assembly.
• Create clear 2D drawings and release packages (GD&T where it matters, tolerances that make sense, hole callouts, BOMs, assembly details) so production isnt guessing.
• Support mold/tooling-ready part design: parting strategy, flanges, datums, locators, alignment features, and all the practical stuff that makes composite parts repeatable.
• Work closely with the composites team to match real processesvacuum bagging, curing, bonding, trimming, post-processingand adjust designs quickly when the shop floor teaches us something.
• Stay involved through builds and test cycles: solve fit issues, drive engineering changes, and keep improving weight, strength, manufacturability, and maintainability.

• 2+ years of hands-on experience designing composite structures (UAV/aerospace/lightweight structures).
• Fixed-wing UAV experience is required.
• Strong CAD skills in SolidWorks and/or 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (surfacing and large assemblies are a plus).
• A practical understanding of composite design fundamentalsbonded joints, cores, inserts/hard points, tolerance stack-ups, and structural interfaces.
• Someone who communicates well with fabrication and production, and can turn feedback into better design fast.

• Experience with prepreg, wet layup, infusion, and honeycomb/foam core structures.
• Exposure to working alongside structures/FEA and basic sizing decisions.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM and engineering change workflows.

• Youll own meaningful airframe work. This isnt a supporting role where your designs sit on a driveyour parts will fly, and youll be involved from concept to build.
• Fast feedback loop. Youll work closely with composites and integration, see your designs on the shop floor, and iterate quickly instead of waiting weeks for answers.
• Real-world engineering, not just theory. Youll design for weight, strength, manufacturability, and maintainabilitybalancing trade-offs the way it actually works in UAV programs.
• Room to grow. As the platform scales, youll get opportunities to take on larger assemblies, lead sub-systems, and influence how the airframe is designed and built.
• Hands-on, problem-solving culture. We value engineers who roll up their sleeves, ask the right questions, and make practical decisions that move the product forward.
• Youll be part of a team that supports you. Clear priorities, direct access to the people building and testing, and a culture where good work gets noticed and backed.
• Eligible employees may be considered for an annual recognition bonus, based on performance and company results.