Composite Structural Engineer
Location: Spokane/Coeur d'Alene, ID
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At Continuous Composites Inc., we are redefining what is possible in advanced manufacturing. Our unique CF3D® technology for composite 3D printing opens new frontiers in Aerospace and Defense. We thrive on innovation, rapid iteration, and empowering every team member to take initiative and drive breakthrough solutions. Our mission is to transform industrial manufacturing through pioneering research, creative problem-solving, and relentless execution.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Composite Structural Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of advanced composite structures for aerospace and defense applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that meet demanding performance and manufacturability requirements. This is a hands-on role ideal for engineers who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of composite technology.
What You’ll Do
- Conceptualize, design, analyze, manufacture, and test primary and secondary composite structures.
- Conduct mechanical design and analysis of composite components.
- Collaborate with team leads, suppliers, and engineers across design, stress, and Materials & Processes (M&P) teams.
- Support manufacturing to ensure successful build and validation.
- Apply a strong understanding of load paths and fundamental mechanics of composite materials.
- Perform stress and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools.
- Support prototyping, manufacturing, and test operations.
- Model composite structures using CAD software (SolidWorks, Onshape).
Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for structural analysis and validation.- Aid the sales team by developing detailed cost estimates and timelines for the design and testing of composite geometries.
What You’ll Bring
- 5–15 years of experience in the design, analysis, and/or manufacturing of polymer matrix composites.
- Proven ability to develop structural concepts and designs for flight-critical airframe components, including composite and metallic structures.
- Experience performing detailed sizing and analysis using both classical methods and FEA.
- Strong collaboration with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
- Familiarity with classical laminate theory (CLT).
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
Proficiency
in CAD and FEA software (SolidWorks, OnShape, Altair, or similar).- Experience designing tooling for composite manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of composite material properties, manufacturing processes, and failure theories.
- Excellent written and visual communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UAV, space, or other aerospace structural designs.
- Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Hands-on experience with composite fabrication processes.
- Background in fast-paced R&D or development environment.
- Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes, including out-of-autoclave and autoclave-cured structures.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace industry standards, specifications, and best practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Why Join Us?
Impact: Work on groundbreaking engineering challenges that will shape the future of manufacturing technology.
Team: Join a passionate, empowered group of innovators committed to pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Reward: Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits designed to support your growth and well-being.
If you are a driven engineer ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, empowered startup environment, we want to hear from you.
Continuous Composites, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. and on ITAR-controlled information.
Qualified candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. Candidates need to be lawfully able to work on ITAR or controlled information which requires that the applicant be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR 120.62.
Continuous Composites generally does not provide sponsorship for work visas.
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What We Do
Owning the earliest patent on 3D printing continuous fibers, our Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D™) technology, constitutes a fundamental shift in the manufacturing process of Advanced Composite Materials (ACM). Our technology leverages rapid curing resins paired with continuous fibers creating a moldless, Out of Autoclave (OOA) composite manufacturing process. CF3D can also embed functionality with fiber optics and copper wires creating a part that can sense and react to environmental stimuli.
Composite materials with their low weight, exceptional versatility, and tailorable properties have been slowly revolutionizing high-performance industries for decades. We have combined these materials with the latest technology in 3D printing and robotics opening new design possibilities for manufacturers and consumers. Traditional 3D printing and the composites manufacturing industry are plagued with the limitation of only being able to stack 2D slices; our technology can discretely print fibers in response to loads oriented in all 3 dimensions.
Our patented technology, Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D™), is the cornerstone for the next industrial revolution. Our intellectual property portfolio consists of over 200 patented and patent pending concepts and growing. We are seeking to develop and license our technology to industry participants in all sectors including aerospace, automotive, defense, construction, etc.
