{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c4f613ba9084c5bb3cc5da4a","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c4f613ba9084c5bb3cc5da4a","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c4f613ba9084c5bb3cc5da4a","title":"Project Engineer","description":"Project Engineer I – Composites\nThe Project Engineer I supports aerospace composites manufacturing programs by assisting with technical coordination, process documentation, and customer communication. This entry-level role develops foundational knowledge of composite materials, fabrication processes, and program execution while supporting quality, schedule, and cost objectives.\n\nProject Engineer II – Composites\nIn addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer I – Composites, the Project Engineer II independently manages composites manufacturing projects from contract review through production and delivery. This role serves as a primary technical interface with customers and supports manufacturing engineering activities including process development, tooling coordination, and production support.\n\nProject Engineer III – Composites\nIn addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer II – Composites, the Project Engineer III leads complex composites programs and strategic customer accounts. This senior-level role drives cross-functional execution, advanced composites manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and commercial performance in a high-mix, low-volume environment.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nProject & Technical Execution\n\nLevel I\n\nSupport contract review and analysis of technical requirements.\n\nAssist with review of engineering drawings, specifications, and composite layup instructions.\n\nTrack project milestones and update ERP systems.\n\nSupport new product introduction (NPI) and first article inspection (FAI) coordination.\n\nMaintain accurate project and technical documentation.\n\nLevel II\n\nLead contract review and define scope, deliverables, and timelines.\n\nDevelop and manage project schedules.\n\nCoordinate cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Planning, Production, Supply Chain).\n\nSupport engineering change management and configuration control.\n\nMonitor cost, schedule, and quality performance.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead complex, multi-phase composites programs.\n\nDevelop program strategies and execution plans.\n\nManage technical risks related to composite materials, processes, and tooling.\n\nDrive process improvements and operational efficiencies.\n\nMentor junior engineers.\n\nComposites Manufacturing Engineering\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist with development of work instructions for composite layup, curing, bonding, and finishing.\n\nSupport documentation of material specifications and process requirements.\n\nAssist with tooling coordination and basic process setup.\n\nLevel II\n\nDevelop and improve composite manufacturing processes including layup, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, and bonding.\n\nSupport tooling design and fabrication for composite parts and assemblies.\n\nDefine process parameters and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.\n\nSupport root cause analysis for defects such as delamination, voids, or bonding failures.\n\nParticipate in process qualification and validation activities.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead development and optimization of advanced composite manufacturing processes.\n\nDrive design-for-manufacturability initiatives for composite products.\n\nEstablish process controls, standard work, and best practices.\n\nLead troubleshooting of complex composite manufacturing issues.\n\nSupport capital equipment selection and process automation initiatives.\n\nCustomer Service & Account Support\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist in responding to customer inquiries and status updates.\n\nParticipate in customer meetings with supervision.\n\nLevel II\n\nServe as primary technical contact for assigned customers.\n\nProvide project updates, technical clarifications, and recovery plans.\n\nSupport customer audits and program reviews.\n\nLevel III\n\nManage strategic customer relationships.\n\nLead customer program reviews and performance discussions.\n\nIdentify opportunities for follow-on work or expanded scope.\n\nCustomer Development & Sales Support\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist with RFQ reviews and technical data collection.\n\nSupport cost tracking and reporting.\n\nLevel II\n\nEvaluate RFQs for technical feasibility and composite process risk.\n\nAnalyze cost structures and margin performance.\n\nSupport pricing recommendations.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead pricing strategy input for composite manufacturing programs.\n\nAnalyze long-term profitability and customer trends.\n\nSupport strategic business development initiatives.\n\nEducational Requirements\n\nBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related field) required.\n\nRequired Experience\n\nLevel I – 0–2 years of engineering or manufacturing experience.\n\nLevel II – 3–6 years of aerospace or composites manufacturing experience; experience supporting manufacturing processes.\n\nLevel III – 7+ years of progressive composites manufacturing or program leadership experience; experience leading complex aerospace programs.\n\nSkills & Competencies\n\nLevel I\n\nBasic understanding of manufacturing and composite materials.\n\nAbility to interpret technical drawings.\n\nStrong organizational skills.\n\nLevel II\n\nStrong understanding of composite manufacturing processes.\n\nProject management and cross-functional coordination skills.\n\nAnalytical and problem-solving abilities.\n\nLevel III\n\nAdvanced composites engineering expertise.\n\nStrong business and financial acumen.\n\nStrategic thinking and leadership capability.\n\nAbility to manage complex programs and technical challenges.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience in AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing.\n\nFamiliarity with ITAR and export control regulations.\n\nExperience with composite materials (prepregs, resins, adhesives).\n\nExperience supporting defense, aerospace, or industrial programs.\n\nPMP certification preferred (Level III).\n\nWorking Conditions\n\nCombination of office, manufacturing floor, and composite processing areas.\n\nExposure to composite materials, curing ovens, and bonding processes.\n\nOccasional travel to customer or supplier locations.\n\nExtended hours during critical program phases.\n\nPhysical Requirements\n\nAbility to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.\n\nAbility to walk and stand on manufacturing floors.\n\nAbility to lift materials or sample parts (up to 25 lbs).\n\nCompliance & Other Requirements\n\nAdherence to AS9100 quality management system procedures.\n\nCompliance with ITAR and export control regulations.\n\nAbility to maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation.\n\nAbility to handle sensitive technical and commercial data confidentially.\n\nU.S. Person status may be required due to ITAR regulations.\n\nCompensation\nPay Range: $70,000 - $100,000\nBenefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401K and other voluntary plans\n\nDepartment: Engineering (#820)\nReporting To: General Manager - Composites\nLocation: Corona, CA\nEmployment Type: Full-time\nPay Type: Salaried, Exempt from Overtime\nEEO / Job Group: EEO-2, Professionals\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Thermal Structures","rawCompany":"thermal structures","city":"Corona","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-16T03:29:25.375Z","occupations":[{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"},{"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":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Project Engineer","description":"Project Engineer I – Composites\nThe Project Engineer I supports aerospace composites manufacturing programs by assisting with technical coordination, process documentation, and customer communication. This entry-level role develops foundational knowledge of composite materials, fabrication processes, and program execution while supporting quality, schedule, and cost objectives.\n\nProject Engineer II – Composites\nIn addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer I – Composites, the Project Engineer II independently manages composites manufacturing projects from contract review through production and delivery. This role serves as a primary technical interface with customers and supports manufacturing engineering activities including process development, tooling coordination, and production support.\n\nProject Engineer III – Composites\nIn addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer II – Composites, the Project Engineer III leads complex composites programs and strategic customer accounts. This senior-level role drives cross-functional execution, advanced composites manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and commercial performance in a high-mix, low-volume environment.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nProject & Technical Execution\n\nLevel I\n\nSupport contract review and analysis of technical requirements.\n\nAssist with review of engineering drawings, specifications, and composite layup instructions.\n\nTrack project milestones and update ERP systems.\n\nSupport new product introduction (NPI) and first article inspection (FAI) coordination.\n\nMaintain accurate project and technical documentation.\n\nLevel II\n\nLead contract review and define scope, deliverables, and timelines.\n\nDevelop and manage project schedules.\n\nCoordinate cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Planning, Production, Supply Chain).\n\nSupport engineering change management and configuration control.\n\nMonitor cost, schedule, and quality performance.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead complex, multi-phase composites programs.\n\nDevelop program strategies and execution plans.\n\nManage technical risks related to composite materials, processes, and tooling.\n\nDrive process improvements and operational efficiencies.\n\nMentor junior engineers.\n\nComposites Manufacturing Engineering\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist with development of work instructions for composite layup, curing, bonding, and finishing.\n\nSupport documentation of material specifications and process requirements.\n\nAssist with tooling coordination and basic process setup.\n\nLevel II\n\nDevelop and improve composite manufacturing processes including layup, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, and bonding.\n\nSupport tooling design and fabrication for composite parts and assemblies.\n\nDefine process parameters and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.\n\nSupport root cause analysis for defects such as delamination, voids, or bonding failures.\n\nParticipate in process qualification and validation activities.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead development and optimization of advanced composite manufacturing processes.\n\nDrive design-for-manufacturability initiatives for composite products.\n\nEstablish process controls, standard work, and best practices.\n\nLead troubleshooting of complex composite manufacturing issues.\n\nSupport capital equipment selection and process automation initiatives.\n\nCustomer Service & Account Support\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist in responding to customer inquiries and status updates.\n\nParticipate in customer meetings with supervision.\n\nLevel II\n\nServe as primary technical contact for assigned customers.\n\nProvide project updates, technical clarifications, and recovery plans.\n\nSupport customer audits and program reviews.\n\nLevel III\n\nManage strategic customer relationships.\n\nLead customer program reviews and performance discussions.\n\nIdentify opportunities for follow-on work or expanded scope.\n\nCustomer Development & Sales Support\n\nLevel I\n\nAssist with RFQ reviews and technical data collection.\n\nSupport cost tracking and reporting.\n\nLevel II\n\nEvaluate RFQs for technical feasibility and composite process risk.\n\nAnalyze cost structures and margin performance.\n\nSupport pricing recommendations.\n\nLevel III\n\nLead pricing strategy input for composite manufacturing programs.\n\nAnalyze long-term profitability and customer trends.\n\nSupport strategic business development initiatives.\n\nEducational Requirements\n\nBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related field) required.\n\nRequired Experience\n\nLevel I – 0–2 years of engineering or manufacturing experience.\n\nLevel II – 3–6 years of aerospace or composites manufacturing experience; experience supporting manufacturing processes.\n\nLevel III – 7+ years of progressive composites manufacturing or program leadership experience; experience leading complex aerospace programs.\n\nSkills & Competencies\n\nLevel I\n\nBasic understanding of manufacturing and composite materials.\n\nAbility to interpret technical drawings.\n\nStrong organizational skills.\n\nLevel II\n\nStrong understanding of composite manufacturing processes.\n\nProject management and cross-functional coordination skills.\n\nAnalytical and problem-solving abilities.\n\nLevel III\n\nAdvanced composites engineering expertise.\n\nStrong business and financial acumen.\n\nStrategic thinking and leadership capability.\n\nAbility to manage complex programs and technical challenges.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience in AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing.\n\nFamiliarity with ITAR and export control regulations.\n\nExperience with composite materials (prepregs, resins, adhesives).\n\nExperience supporting defense, aerospace, or industrial programs.\n\nPMP certification preferred (Level III).\n\nWorking Conditions\n\nCombination of office, manufacturing floor, and composite processing areas.\n\nExposure to composite materials, curing ovens, and bonding processes.\n\nOccasional travel to customer or supplier locations.\n\nExtended hours during critical program phases.\n\nPhysical Requirements\n\nAbility to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.\n\nAbility to walk and stand on manufacturing floors.\n\nAbility to lift materials or sample parts (up to 25 lbs).\n\nCompliance & Other Requirements\n\nAdherence to AS9100 quality management system procedures.\n\nCompliance with ITAR and export control regulations.\n\nAbility to maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation.\n\nAbility to handle sensitive technical and commercial data confidentially.\n\nU.S. Person status may be required due to ITAR regulations.\n\nCompensation\nPay Range: $70,000 - $100,000\nBenefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401K and other voluntary plans\n\nDepartment: Engineering (#820)\nReporting To: General Manager - Composites\nLocation: Corona, CA\nEmployment Type: Full-time\nPay Type: Salaried, Exempt from Overtime\nEEO / Job Group: EEO-2, Professionals\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-07-16T03:29:25.375Z","dateModified":"2026-07-16T03:29:25.375Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Thermal Structures","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Corona","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c4f613ba9084c5bb3cc5da4a"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c4f613ba9084c5bb3cc5da4a"}}