Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer

About the Role
We are supporting an international high-technology engineering organization developing advanced products and systems for demanding applications.
We are looking for a Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer to join its manufacturing engineering organization. The successful candidate will support the development, industrialization, qualification, and continuous improvement of composite materials and manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on prepreg technologies.
This position combines hands-on manufacturing engineering with materials and process expertise and will work closely with engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and maintain engineering specifications for hand lay-up manufacturing processes for prepreg composite components.
Define manufacturing routing sheets for prepreg parts in accordance with applicable engineering specifications.
Establish, document, and control prepreg material handling requirements, including out-time tracking, storage conditions, material lot traceability, and shelf-life management.
Lead and support new-part qualification activities, including definition of first-article build plans, preparation of process documentation, and support during qualification inspections.
Develop, evaluate, and validate new composite manufacturing processes before their release to production, including lay-up configurations, cure cycles, and vacuum bagging techniques.
Coordinate with new material and manufacturing process suppliers, establishing evaluation criteria, overseeing sample testing, and verifying compliance with applicable technical specifications.
Support the introduction, transition, and qualification of automated composite manufacturing technologies, particularly Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), including technical comparison and benchmarking against manual manufacturing processes.
Define, update, and maintain routing sheets, work instructions, and manufacturing/process documentation for new and existing components and processes.
Define ply kit requirements based on engineering ply books and established lay-up sequences.
Provide engineering disposition and technical support for SCSRs and manufacturing non-conformances, including containment activities and corrective-action follow-up.
Capture and document lessons learned from manufacturing and qualification activities.
Update work instructions and process documentation as new components, manufacturing processes, materials, or suppliers are introduced and qualified.
Education
Bachelor's degree in a closely related engineering discipline:
Experience
Minimum 3 years of professional experience in composite manufacturing, with the required level of experience depending on the seniority of the position.
Practical knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and materials.
Experience working with prepreg composite materials and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of manufacturing documentation, engineering specifications, and process control.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Previous experience within the aerospace sector or another highly regulated, advanced engineering environment.
Technical Expertise
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and/or hands-on experience in:
Prepreg composite manufacturing
Hand lay-up processes
Composite material handling and control
Prepreg out-time and shelf-life management
Lay-up configurations and ply sequences
Ply books and ply kit definition
Vacuum bagging techniques
Composite cure cycles
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)
First Article and new-part qualification
Manufacturing process development and validation
Engineering specifications
Manufacturing routing sheets
Work instructions and process documentation
Material and process supplier qualification
Non-conformance evaluation and engineering disposition
Corrective-action follow-up
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent attention to detail, particularly when working with controlled manufacturing processes and technical documentation.
Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects, technical activities, and priorities simultaneously.
Structured and quality-oriented approach to manufacturing engineering.
Physical & Working Requirements
Ability to work with composite materials and manufacturing processes in an engineering and production environment.
Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
Ability to review and work with manufacturing documentation, process instructions, and engineering specifications.

Work arrangement
Yes