Design Engineer

Rock West Composites is seeking a Design Engineer to design and develop advanced composite structures and products for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial applications.

This role partners with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and customers to develop innovative, manufacturable solutions from concept through production while ensuring designs meet performance, quality, and cost objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across disciplines, and developing high performance products from concept through production.

The Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of composite components, tooling, molds, and fixtures that support customer and internal manufacturing requirements. This role creates 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet performance objectives. The Design Engineer supports products throughout the development lifecycle, working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

• Design and development of composite components, assemblies, tooling, and fixtures
• Creation and maintenance of 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
• Product performance, manufacturability, and design optimization
• Cross-functional engineering collaboration from concept through production
• Customer technical support and design reviews

• Design composite components, assemblies, molds, tooling, and fixtures using Solid Works.
• Develop production‑ready CAD models, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Apply engineering principles to optimize product performance, manufacturability, weight, cost, and quality.
• Perform basic structural analyses to evaluate stresses, stiffness, and deflection.
• Select appropriate composite materials and manufacturing processes to meet product requirements.

• Partner with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with structural, RF, electro‑optical, and manufacturing engineers on integrated development programs.
• Participate in design reviews, resolve technical issues, and support engineering changes during production.
• Present technical solutions to customers and evaluate design tradeoffs involving performance, manufacturability, cost, and weight.

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturability, and engineering efficiency.
• Support standardization of engineering practices, documentation, and design processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product performance and manufacturing success.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of product design experience, preferably in composites, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience designing products from concept through production.
• Proficiency with Solid Works and 3D CAD modeling.
• Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural design principles.
• Familiarity with prepreg, wet layup, infusion, fabrics, and fibers.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic structural analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and interface directly with customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance is preferred.

• Salary Range: $110,000 – $135,000 (based on experience and skillset)
• 100% Employer‑Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday…