Position Summary:
The Senior Project Engineer leads complex product development projects from concept through production transition, applying expertise in composite materials, processes, fabrication, and testing. This role manages technical execution, cost, schedule, and risk while partnering with customers and cross-functional teams to develop innovative composite solutions and support new business opportunities.
What You'll Own
- Advanced composite product and process development
- Project scope, cost, schedule, and technical execution
- Prototype fabrication, testing, and production transition
- Material and manufacturing process selection
- Customer, proposal, and new business support
Essential Functions
Product Development & Engineering
- Lead composite development activities from concept and prototype through testing, first article fabrication, and transition to production.
- Develop material, manufacturing process, and tooling solutions that meet product and structural requirements.
- Apply composite materials and process expertise, including fabrics, fibers, prepregs, wet layup, and infusion.
- Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and apply basic structural analysis to support product development.
Project Management & Testing
- Manage project scope, planning, budgets, schedules, procurement, and technical risks for multiple IRAD and customer-funded programs.
- Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project while tracking costs, milestones, and deliverables.
- Plan and coordinate materials testing, structural proof testing, thermal cycling, dimensional stability testing, and material database development.
- Communicate project status, technical risks, and required actions across project teams.
Technology & Business Support
- Evaluate emerging composite materials, processes, and technologies to advance Rock West's technical capabilities.
- Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to transition new products and processes into production and provide technical training and support.
- Support proposals, pricing, customer requirement reviews, and other business development activities.
- Interface directly with customers and help identify new product, technology, and market opportunities.
Non-Essential Functions
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You Bring
Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with 5+ years of composite materials, processes, or product development experience; an advanced technical degree with relevant experience may also be considered.
- Experience developing and fabricating advanced composite hardware from material/process selection through testing and production transition.
- Aerospace or space hardware experience strongly preferred; proposal development, pricing, and project cost tracking experience is a plus.
Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of advanced composite materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, testing, and qualification methods.
- Understanding of project scope, cost, schedule, budgeting, procurement, and technical risk management.
- Working knowledge of basic structural analysis, including stresses, stiffness, and deflections.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project; SolidWorks or similar CAD experience preferred.
Professional Skills
- Strong technical problem-solving and project leadership skills with an innovative, hands-on approach.
- Effective communicator capable of working directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated and organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Strong business acumen with an understanding of how engineering and technology development support company growth.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 (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 off)
- Paid Holidays + Generous PTO
- $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement
