Composites Application Engineer

About the role

Review and analyze customer manufacturing requirements for composite and additive manufacturing applications.

• Develop, optimize, and validate manufacturing processes for advanced composite and automated production systems.
• Research and evaluate alternative manufacturing methods and emerging technologies.
• Support Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), Automated Tape Laying (ATL), additive manufacturing, and automated inspection applications.
• Assist in machine qualification activities and production readiness validation.
• Support projects from proposal development through installation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
• Generate technical documentation, process reports, and customer-facing engineering deliverables.
• Provide technical training to internal personnel and customers on equipment operation, process optimization, and manufacturing best practices.
• Support composite software development initiatives and process integration activities.
• Travel to customer and partner facilities to support implementation, troubleshoot production challenges, and resolve process-related issues under tight timelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams to improve product performance and operational efficiency.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance at the Rockford, IL facility.
• Work overtime or off-shift hours as required to support project and customer needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, Pro/E, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of Python or other programming languages.
• Experience with NC programming and the ability to read and interpret NC files.
• Experience with large-scale additive manufacturing, composite layup processes, 3D printing, AFP, or ATL technologies.
• Experience programming and operating CNC machine tools and robotic manufacturing platforms.
• Familiarity with industrial robotics and machine vision systems.
• Understanding of advanced manufacturing process development and automation technologies.
• Experience supporting aerospace, industrial manufacturing, or high-performance production environments preferred.