Design Engineer at Rock West Composites in San Diego, CA

Rock West Composites is seeking a Design Engineer to design and develop advanced composite structures and products for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial applications.

This role partners with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and customers to develop innovative, manufacturable solutions from concept through production while ensuring designs meet performance, quality, and cost objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across disciplines, and developing high performance products from concept through production.

Position Summary

The Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of composite components, tooling, molds, and fixtures that support customer and internal manufacturing requirements. This role creates 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet performance objectives. The Design Engineer supports products throughout the development lifecycle, working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

What You'll Own

• Design and development of composite components, assemblies, tooling, and fixtures
• Creation and maintenance of 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
• Product performance, manufacturability, and design optimization
• Cross-functional engineering collaboration from concept through production
• Customer technical support and design reviews

Essential Functions Product Design & Engineering

• Design composite components, assemblies, molds, tooling, and fixtures using SolidWorks.
• Develop production-ready CAD models, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Apply engineering principles to optimize product performance, manufacturability, weight, cost, and quality.
• Perform basic structural analyses to evaluate stresses, stiffness, and deflection.
• Select appropriate composite materials and manufacturing processes to meet product requirements.

Product Development & Collaboration

• Partner with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality throughout the product
• lifecycle.
• Collaborate with structural, RF, electro-optical, and manufacturing engineers on integrated development programs.
• Participate in design reviews, resolve technical issues, and support engineering changes during production.
• Present technical solutions to customers and evaluate design tradeoffs involving performance, manufacturability, cost, and weight.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturability, and engineering efficiency.
• Support standardization of engineering practices, documentation, and design processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product performance and manufacturing success.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of product design experience, preferably in composites, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience designing products from concept through production.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and 3D CAD modeling.
• Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural design principles.
• Familiarity with prepreg, wet layup, infusion, fabrics, and fibers.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic structural analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and interface directly with customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $110,000 – $135,000 (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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or for safety-sensitive positions as permitted by law.

Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.