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AppleOne
Composite Engineer
Career Insights for Mechanical Design Engineer
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Based on Florida data
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What they do
A Mechanical Design Engineer designs and develops mechanical tools as part of the product development cycle.
$99,045 / year median in Florida
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary We are seeking a Composite Engineer for a direct hire opportunity in Gainesville, FL. This hands-on engineering role is ideal for a mechanically minded composites professional who can move comfortably between engineering design, process development, and the manufacturing floor. The Composite Engineer will lead the design, development, and manufacturing optimization of high-performance composite parts, supporting aerospace-grade quality expectations and repeatable production methods. This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing challenges, working directly with technicians and operators, and turning customer requirements into reliable, cost-effective composite solutions. This role offers a collaborative shop-floor environment with opportunities to influence process improvement, tooling, quality, and production outcomes. Candidates who value teamwork, practical engineering, supportive leadership, and hands-on problem solving will find this opportunity especially rewarding. Key Responsibilities
- Interpret customer CAD models, drawings, tolerances, and specifications to develop layup plans, tooling concepts, and manufacturing methods.
- Define process parameters for wet layup, vacuum infusion, vacuum bagging, and pre-preg composite part production.
- Select fabrics, cores, resin systems, cure cycles, layup schedules, and tooling approaches to meet structural, dimensional, and cosmetic requirements.
- Partner with technicians, operators, CAM teams, and quality personnel to improve part consistency, reduce defects, and shorten production cycle times.
- Develop and document manufacturing procedures, including layup schedules, bagging methods, tooling prep, traceability, and process control requirements.
- Troubleshoot process-related defects, support rework strategies, and help ensure compliance with AS9100 or
ISO 9001
quality documentation requirements. Compensation and Benefits- Salary range: $80,000 to $85,000 per year.
- Job type: Direct hire.
Location:
Gainesville, FL. Required Qualifications and Skills- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field required.
- 2+ years of experience in a composites manufacturing environment.
- Strong hands-on understanding of composite fabrication methods, including wet layup, vacuum bagging, infusion, and/or pre-preg processes.
- Familiarity with fiberglass, carbon fiber, hybrid reinforcements, core materials, and common resin systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, layup instructions, ply orientation requirements, and customer specifications.
- Working knowledge of composite finishing processes, including trimming, sanding, bonding, painting, and mold preparation.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with technicians, operators, quality teams, and engineering stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot defects and improve manufacturing repeatability. Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting or leading the design of composite molds, trim tools, bond fixtures, and related production tooling.
- Experience reverse-engineering physical parts to create tooling, molds, or improved manufacturing methods.
- Familiarity with aerospace or automotive composite quality standards.
- Experience supporting AS9100 or