{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"17e9f2ec9a98e7534e480cdb","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/17e9f2ec9a98e7534e480cdb","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/17e9f2ec9a98e7534e480cdb","title":"Composites Engineer","description":"About the RoleOak is seeking a Composites Engineer to support the design, development, and production of prepreg-based composite structures used in small-scale unmanned systems. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who not only understands the theory behind high-performance composite materials but has direct experience with how these parts are laid up, cured, trimmed, and finished in a production environment.You’ll work at the intersection of aerospace engineering and advanced composites manufacturing, supporting programs that require tight tolerances, lightweight construction, and repeatable performance. The focus is on small aerostructures—think control surfaces, fuselage skins, and internal structures for unmanned aircraft platforms, where both structural integrity and surface quality are critical.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Development & Engineering SupportDevelop and document processes for prepreg layup, autoclave or oven cure cycles, vacuum bagging, and tool prep.Define ply schedules, fiber orientations, and part stackups based on performance and manufacturability requirements.Support the design and fabrication of composite aerostructures such as wings, control surfaces, fairings, and skins.Interpret CAD models and customer drawings to derive flat patterns and layup workflows.Tooling & Mold InteractionCollaborate with tooling technicians to design, maintain, and prep molds for repeatable use.Provide input on trim and drill jigs, bond fixtures, and mold design to ensure part accuracy and ease of production.Support reverse-engineering workflows when needed to duplicate legacy parts or customer prototypes.Quality Assurance & InspectionWork alongside QA to ensure parts meet visual and dimensional standards for aerospace-grade assemblies.Address in-process defects and assist in root cause analysis and rework strategies.Ensure documentation and traceability align with AS9100 or customer-specific requirements.Team & Program SupportCollaborate with shop floor technicians to transfer designs into successful builds.Provide technical input during quoting, including material selection, estimated labor time, and risk assessment.Participate in continuous improvement efforts to reduce cycle times and improve consistency across builds.QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field (required).4+ years of experience working with prepreg composites in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing setting.Strong understanding of layup techniques, resin systems, autoclave/oven curing, and ply schedule documentation.Familiarity with composite structural design for flight applications—especially in UAVs or small-scale platforms.Comfortable working in a hands-on, high-mix, low-volume production environment.Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace inspection practices preferred.Experience in reverse engineering, small tooling design, or composite part replication is a plus.Why Join Oak?Mission-Driven Work – You’ll help build high-performance structures for next-generation unmanned systems.Engineering Meets Production – Work in a shop where engineers and technicians collaborate closely, not in silos.Real Impact – Your design decisions directly influence how parts are made, how long they take, and how well they perform.Growth Opportunity – We’re scaling fast. The right engineer in this seat will help shape the future of Oak’s composites division.","company":"Oak Engineering Manufacturing","rawCompany":"oak engineering manufacturing","city":"Gainesville","state":"FL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-12T17:12:02.686Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2131.00","title":"Materials Engineers","slug":"materials-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"336413","title":"Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"code":"336412","title":"Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-engine-and-engine-parts-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Composites Engineer","description":"About the RoleOak is seeking a Composites Engineer to support the design, development, and production of prepreg-based composite structures used in small-scale unmanned systems. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who not only understands the theory behind high-performance composite materials but has direct experience with how these parts are laid up, cured, trimmed, and finished in a production environment.You’ll work at the intersection of aerospace engineering and advanced composites manufacturing, supporting programs that require tight tolerances, lightweight construction, and repeatable performance. The focus is on small aerostructures—think control surfaces, fuselage skins, and internal structures for unmanned aircraft platforms, where both structural integrity and surface quality are critical.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Development & Engineering SupportDevelop and document processes for prepreg layup, autoclave or oven cure cycles, vacuum bagging, and tool prep.Define ply schedules, fiber orientations, and part stackups based on performance and manufacturability requirements.Support the design and fabrication of composite aerostructures such as wings, control surfaces, fairings, and skins.Interpret CAD models and customer drawings to derive flat patterns and layup workflows.Tooling & Mold InteractionCollaborate with tooling technicians to design, maintain, and prep molds for repeatable use.Provide input on trim and drill jigs, bond fixtures, and mold design to ensure part accuracy and ease of production.Support reverse-engineering workflows when needed to duplicate legacy parts or customer prototypes.Quality Assurance & InspectionWork alongside QA to ensure parts meet visual and dimensional standards for aerospace-grade assemblies.Address in-process defects and assist in root cause analysis and rework strategies.Ensure documentation and traceability align with AS9100 or customer-specific requirements.Team & Program SupportCollaborate with shop floor technicians to transfer designs into successful builds.Provide technical input during quoting, including material selection, estimated labor time, and risk assessment.Participate in continuous improvement efforts to reduce cycle times and improve consistency across builds.QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field (required).4+ years of experience working with prepreg composites in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing setting.Strong understanding of layup techniques, resin systems, autoclave/oven curing, and ply schedule documentation.Familiarity with composite structural design for flight applications—especially in UAVs or small-scale platforms.Comfortable working in a hands-on, high-mix, low-volume production environment.Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace inspection practices preferred.Experience in reverse engineering, small tooling design, or composite part replication is a plus.Why Join Oak?Mission-Driven Work – You’ll help build high-performance structures for next-generation unmanned systems.Engineering Meets Production – Work in a shop where engineers and technicians collaborate closely, not in silos.Real Impact – Your design decisions directly influence how parts are made, how long they take, and how well they perform.Growth Opportunity – We’re scaling fast. The right engineer in this seat will help shape the future of Oak’s composites division.","datePosted":"2026-04-12T17:12:02.686Z","dateModified":"2026-04-12T17:12:02.686Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Oak Engineering Manufacturing","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Gainesville","addressRegion":"FL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"17e9f2ec9a98e7534e480cdb"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/17e9f2ec9a98e7534e480cdb"}}