Senior Composites Design Engineer

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Composite Design Engineer will lead the development and design of FRP (fiber‑reinforced polymer composite) products for infrastructure applications, including tanks, buildings, covers, and other structural components. This leader will utilize a strong background in composite materials and processes, particularly in closed molding methods such as RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) and vacuum infusion, structural engineering capabilities, and knowledge of infrastructure and related codes to develop infrastructure products.

• Continuously maintains Orenco management's safety, cultural, and professional standards.
• Promotes, encourages, and reinforces a positive safety culture, safe practices, and a safe work environment to all employees.

• Lead the design and development of FRP composite products for infrastructure applications.
• Collaborate with the Composite Sales Manager to develop tailored design solutions for customer projects.
• Collaborate with the Composite Sales Manager to identify new product development opportunities and cultivate strategic OEM relationships that drive innovation and long‑term business growth.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to enhance design efficiency and reduce cost.
• Oversee and optimize manufacturing processes, especially closed molding techniques (RTM, vacuum infusion).
• Collaborate on material selection, including resins, reinforcements, core materials, adhesives and coatings.
• Interpret and apply relevant codes and standards (e.g., IBC, AASHTO, ASCE, ASTM) to ensure code compliance in structural designs.
• Perform structural analysis and guide product testing and validation.
• Work closely with the retiring engineer during a transition period to absorb institutional knowledge, processes, and legacy designs.
• Support cross‑functional teams including production, QA/QC, sales, product and project management.
• Interface with customers, certification agencies, and third‑party engineers as needed.
• Represent the company at key composite industry events to stay current with industry trends and strengthen professional networks.

Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years experience in composite product design (10+ years preferred).
• Expertise in closed‑mold composite processes.
• Strong structural engineering capabilities and working knowledge of composite materials – resins, fibers, cores, adhesives, etc.
• Familiarity with infrastructure products and relevant codes and standards for infrastructure (IBC, ACI, AISC, ASCE, AASHTO, ASTM).
• Proficiency in 3D modeling CAD (Solid Works, Inventor, etc.);
  Solid Works preferred.
• Proficiency in structural analysis tools desired but not required (FEA software such as ANSYS, Solid Works Simulation, or similar).
• PE (Professional Engineer) license is highly beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills and documentation practices.
• Ability to be flexible and change priorities with little notice.
• Ability to use sound judgement and follow through in problem solving and decision‑making processes.
• Must be willing and able to travel and must comply with current travel regulations and guidelines of airlines and destination locations.
• Must be able to meet and maintain Orenco's approved driver criteria; a valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, current insurance on personal vehicle, and meet company insurability requirements.

• Computer, general office equipment, multi‑line phone/VoIP, vehicle.

The position is primarily in indoor/outdoor environments, involving time in production areas and at project sites. Travel may include driving, airplane travel, and overnight stays. Work may be required on a variety of developed and undeveloped terrains, under varying weather conditions, and exposure to dust or other elements that may require PPE such as gloves. Work hours are typically within manufacturing business hours but may occasionally require outside business hours;

occasional long hours may be required.

Regular duties involve seeing, speaking, hearing, reading, writing, legible handwriting, keyboarding, prolonged sitting and extended computer use. Intermittent physical activities include reaching, pushing, pulling, holding, light lifting under 20 lbs, and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Heavy lifting over 50 lbs must be assisted. Operation of a motor vehicle and/or airplane travel may be required. Travel includes various terrains and overnight lodging as needed.