Composites Design Engineer, Entry Level

What You’ll Do:

It’s in the name, Scaled Composites. For a variety of reasons, Scaled typically builds our airplanes out of composite materials. And the skillset to design structures out of composites is unique. But then again, so are we. The work of this role typically starts with an outer mold line (OML) and a set of high-level requirements. From there, the composite design engineer develops a structural concept, defines detailed requirements, and sets about designing and analyzing a structure that meets the needs of the airplane. While there will be a fair share of brackets and door handles, this role will typically own a significant chunk of the structure required of the program. This will vary based on size and complexity, but responsibility for the wing, fuselage, empennage, cabin, or even all of the above is likely.

Category: Engineering

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching 

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

Required Qualifications:  

• 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: 

• 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)