Composites Manufacturing Engineer- West Texas

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Composites Manufacturing Engineer to support a Aerospace Telecommunications partner located in West Texas through 100% work. The Composites Manufacturing Engineer will partake in advanced composite manufacturing initiatives, including process development, equipment commissioning, and production optimization for aerospace-grade CFRP components.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, refine, and scale manufacturing processes for CFRP parts utilizing Toray prepreg systems.
• Support new facility standups including layout planning, utilities coordination, and capital equipment installation/commissioning.
• Specify, source, validate, and maintain key composite manufacturing equipment (autoclaves, CNC routers, ovens, bonding tools).
• Program and operate CNC routers for precision trimming, machining, and drilling of composite components.
• Manage surface preparation, bonding processes, adhesive application, and cure cycle optimization.
• Oversee autoclave operations including recipe development, cycle tuning, and maintenance coordination.
• Apply expertise in composite curing parameters (thermal cycles, pressure profiles, material-specific constraints) to ensure structural integrity and quality.
• Generate and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and tooling specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to meet aerospace standards and design-for-manufacturing goals.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement process improvements to reduce scrap and increase yield.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), continuous improvement, and Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 0-10+ years of aerospace composite manufacturing experience with a focus on CFRP.
• Hands-on experience with Toray prepreg handling, layup, and cure processes.
• Proficiency in CNC routing, fixture design, and CAM programming for composite materials.
• Expertise in adhesive bonding processes, surface prep, and cure control.
• Strong experience operating autoclaves and developing composite cure cycles.
• Proven success supporting new facility setups, equipment layout planning, and commissioning.
• Ability to specify, procure, and validate capital manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with CAD/CAM tools such as SolidWorks, Autodesk, CATIA, or Mastercam.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

Technology Stack:

• CAD/CAM platforms: SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, Mastercam.
• CNC programming and routing systems.
• Manufacturing documentation and digital recordkeeping tools.
• Autoclave control systems and data acquisition tools.

Preferred Certifications (Optional):

• TTI Environmental Engineering Specialist Certificate (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum testing).
• ISO 17025 familiarity or laboratory accreditation experience.
• Training in MIL-STD and NASA standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, NASA-STD-7002B).
• ITAR Compliance Training.
• PMP certification.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• LabVIEW or data acquisition (DAQ) tool certification.

Soft Skills:

• Strong cross-functional communication and teamwork.
• Excellent documentation and technical writing skills.
• Highly skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex manufacturing issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Effective organizational and project management abilities.

Compensation:

• Salary Range: negotiable depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, unlimited PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, Holidays
• relocation assistance, monthly stipend ($1,000/ month), RSU
• Location: 100% onsite in Permian Basin, TX

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