Senior Composite Engineer

About the role

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do and need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

Mclaurin is a unique organization that combines research and industry to foster innovation. We strongly support research, publication, and engagement with the academic community, encouraging employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Composite Design & Analysis: Perform design and analysis of composite components for aerospace structures; develop laminate schedules, evaluate material behavior, and assess structural performance under mechanical and thermal loads; support FEA modeling activities including linear and basic non-linear analysis, buckling checks, and failure assessments; participate in trade studies and support requirements development.
• Program Support & Collaboration: Work directly with MSFC engineering teams, suppliers, and other contractors to develop composite solutions; support design reviews (PDR, CDR) by preparing presentation materials and technical documentation; contribute to testing plans, NDI evaluation, and verification activities as needed.
• Manufacturing & Materials Support: Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion processes; participate in tooling reviews, process development, and troubleshooting of manufacturing issues; assist with material evaluation, process documentation, and coordination with manufacturing engineering.
• Testing & Verification: Support composite component testing, data review, and correlation activities; assist with structural test planning, failure investigation activities, and corrective action discussions.
• General Responsibilities: Maintain configuration, documentation, and compliance with engineering processes; communicate effectively across disciplines and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience working with composite materials and structural components (aerospace preferred).
• Experience with composite laminate design, basic FEA, and mechanical/thermal load assessment.
• Hands-on familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as autoclave layup,