Design Engineer

Role overview

Rock West Composites is hiring a Design Engineer to create and develop advanced composite structures and products for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial uses. The role works closely with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and customers to turn concepts into practical, production-ready solutions that balance performance, quality, and cost.

This opportunity is suited to an engineer who enjoys tackling technical challenges, collaborating across teams, and bringing high-performance products from early concept through full production.

What the role covers

The Design Engineer will be responsible for developing composite parts, tooling, molds, and fixtures that support both customer needs and internal manufacturing requirements. The position involves producing 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documents, while coordinating with multiple functions to ensure the designs can be built efficiently and meet required performance targets.

Primary responsibilities

• Create and refine composite components, assemblies, tooling, molds, and fixtures.
• Build and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and related technical documentation.
• Improve product performance, manufacturability, and design efficiency.
• Work with cross-functional teams from concept development through production launch.
• Provide technical support to customers and participate in design reviews.

Product design and engineering

• Use SolidWorks to design composite parts, assemblies, molds, tooling, and fixtures.
• Prepare production-ready CAD models, drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to improve performance, manufacturability, weight, cost, and quality.
• Carry out basic structural assessments to understand stress, stiffness, and deflection.
• Choose suitable composite materials and manufacturing methods based on product needs.

Development and collaboration

• Partner with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Coordinate with structural, RF, electro-optical, and manufacturing engineers on integrated programs.
• Take part in design reviews, solve technical issues, and support engineering changes during production.
• Present solutions to customers and compare design options based on performance, manufacturability, cost, and weight.

Continuous improvement

• Look for ways to improve product quality, manufacturability, and engineering productivity.
• Help standardize engineering practices, documentation, and design workflows.
• Support improvement initiatives that strengthen product performance and manufacturing outcomes.

Additional duties

• Carry out other assigned responsibilities as needed.

What the employer is looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 5 years of product design experience, ideally in composites, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.
• Background in taking products from concept through production.
• Strong command of SolidWorks and 3D CAD modeling.
• Working knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing methods, and structural design concepts.
• Exposure to prepreg, wet layup, infusion, fabrics, and fibers.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic structural analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Good analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work well with multidisciplinary engineering teams and speak directly with customers.
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to handle several projects at once.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance is preferred.

Compensation and benefits

• Annual salary range of $110,000 to $135,000, depending on experience and skill set.
• Employer covers 100% of medical and dental premiums.
• Annual bonus program.
• 401(k) plan with a 5% company match.
• Employee stock option program.
• 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement.

Equal opportunity statement

Rock West Composites is committed to equal employment opportunity. Hiring and employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status. The company also does not allow compensation discrimination where applicable.

ITAR and work authorization requirements

Some positions require the applicant to meet the U.S. Person definition under 22 CFR 120.62. To comply with U.S. export rules, applicants must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, a refugee, or an asylee. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future immigration sponsorship, and the company will not provide sponsorship or seek export authorization for this position.

Drug and alcohol policy

Rock West Composites maintains a workplace free from drugs and alcohol. Depending on state law and the nature of the role, candidates who receive a conditional offer may be asked to complete a drug screen. Drug and alcohol testing may also be conducted when justified by reasonable suspicion, after an incident, or for safety-sensitive roles, as allowed by law.

Accommodation notice

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or if you cannot access or use the online application process and need another way to apply, you may contact 858-537-6260.