Composite Design Engineer

Job Overview

We are seeking a Composite Design Engineer to lead the structural design, analysis, and integration of composite materials into our maritime platforms. You will be responsible for developing lightweight, high-performance composite structures optimized for maritime environments and aligned with mission-critical DoD performance and survivability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize composite structures for autonomous maritime platforms (hulls, decks, enclosures, etc.)
• Create 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, or Siemens NX
• Perform structural FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to validate load-bearing capacity, fatigue life, and thermal performance
• Work closely with naval architects, mechanical engineers, and autonomy teams to integrate composite structures with vessel systems
• Define material specifications and work with suppliers to source appropriate composite materials and prepregs
• Develop manufacturing plans and collaborate with in-house and external fabricators to support prototype and production builds
• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD and DoD structural integrity, weight, and signature management requirements
• Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-maintainability (DFMa) principles
• Support testing, validation, and qualification of composite assemblies in lab and marine environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in composite structural design (aerospace, marine, automotive, or defense)
• Strong understanding of composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb cores, etc.) and layup techniques
• Experience with CAD and FEA software (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Knowledge of mechanical testing, structural validation, and failure analysis of composite systems

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.