What are the responsibilities and job description for the Composite Design Engineer, Experienced position at Scaled Composites?
About Scaled
Founded by visionary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes and spacecraft for over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope.
We honor that legacy today by doing what we’ve always done - seeking out the hardest problems in aerospace and having fun while solving them. With an average of a new design first flight for every year of our existence, there is no better place to practice the arts and science of new aircraft development than here at Scaled.
Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Performing conceptual design, structural layout, sizing, and detailed design
Generating detailed fabrication and assembly work instructions
Conducting stress analysis utilizing classical methods and performing laminate analysis and sizing for structural components
Providing hands-on manufacturing and assembly support
Contributing to ground and flight test planning, execution, and aircraft modifications
Demonstrating proficiency in understanding and designing primary and secondary load paths
Creating comprehensive 3D/2D definitions of parts, assemblies, and installations
Establishing manufacturing tolerances using GD&T principles
Actively participating in Engineering definition reviews, approvals, and release processes
Supporting the review of manufacturing plans and procedures
Assisting in the creation of structural test plans
A commitment to continuous learning, encompassing a readiness to acquire any necessary skills and knowledge essential to effectively support the program
Mentoring other early-career engineers based on personal experience and domain knowledge
Required Qualifications:
5+ years of relevant composite aircraft structure design experience
Foundational knowledge of aircraft load paths, structural sizing, and composite manufacturing / assembly
Strong understanding of the theory and practical application of composite structures and their application to aircraft
Proficiency in 3D Computer Aided Design
Great verbal and written communication skills
Great interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
Ability to work in isolation with minimal supervision as well as on large teams
Ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines on an aggressive schedule
Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline or substantial equivalent experience
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in leading and managing teams of engineers
Proficiency in Siemens NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks
Proficiency in FEMAP or other finite element analysis software
GD&T experience and knowledge of ASME Y14.5M-1994
Prior rapid prototyping experience
Hands-on design and build experience
Aerospace experience (work history, pilot’s license, experimental aircraft building, etc.)
DoD Clearance
Essential Job Functions:
Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach
May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials (Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds
Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, aircraft avionics)
Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)
Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
Ability to write for extended periods of time
Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc.
Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
Ability to converse and communicate information with others
Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Salary : $95,000 - $219,000