Principal Composites Engineer

Clearance:
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance required About the Role

Hawthorn Aero, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Staff or Principal Composites Engineer to lead advanced materials and process development in support of aerospace and defense programs. This role is ideal for a highly technical, hands on engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working closely with manufacturing, quality, and design teams to bring complex composite structures from concept to production.

The Senior Staff or Principal Composites Engineer will serve as a technical leader, mentor, and subject matter expert across the organization.

• Develop, validate, and optimize composite manufacturing processes, including layup, curing, bonding, machining, and inspection
• Prepare, review, and maintain technical documentation such as drawings, specifications, process instructions, analyses, and test plans
• Recommend, evaluate, and qualify composite materials, adhesives, and processes to meet performance, rate, and cost objectives
• Support hands on fabrication development and provide troubleshooting expertise on the production floor
• Lead or participate in design reviews, material trade studies, and failure investigations
• Direct complex root cause analyses for material and part failures and drive corrective and preventive actions
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior and mid level engineers
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, program management, and design teams to ensure M&P requirements are fully integrated into part and process development
• Review and approve composite designs, structural analyses, and manufacturing documentation for technical accuracy and compliance
• Interface with raw material suppliers to resolve technical issues and assess new materials that may improve performance or throughput

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Ability to pass a negative drug screen and favorable background check
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Office
• Travel: 10–15%
• B.S. degree and 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, or a related discipline; or M.S. degree and 8+ years of experience
• 10+ years of composites manufacturing experience, including hands on shop floor involvement
• 8+ years in the aerospace and defense industry
• Deep understanding of composite part fabrication and structural bonding
• Familiarity with ASTM and other relevant composite and bonding test standards
• Strong technical writing, computer, and presentation skills
• Understanding of statistical design allowables
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively
• Experience with project management
• Experience applying structured problem solving methodologies for root cause and corrective actions

• Prior or existing U.S. Government security clearance
• Composites design knowledge, including use of statistical allowables
• MRB experience
• Experience communicating directly with customers
• Experience with AS9100 quality management systems
• Bonding process expertise
• Composites supply chain knowledge
• Hands on materials test laboratory experience
• Familiarity with FAR Part 23, DOT/FAA/AR 00/47, and CMH 17G

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

• Professional office environment with regular work in manufacturing areas
• May require occasional use of personal protective equipment

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays