Materials, Process, and Test Engineer

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Materials, Process, and Test Engineer. 

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures.  This position is located in our San Diego, CA HQ office and reports to the VP of Engineering.

Position Summary:

This role plays a critical part in ensuring our materials, manufacturing processes, and products meet demanding aerospace, defense, and commercial requirements. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and external testing laboratories to develop testing methodologies, generate material data, and improve manufacturing processes.

What You'll Own:

• Development and qualification of composite materials, processes, and test methods
• Material and structural testing programs
• Technical standards, specifications, and test documentation
• Continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and testing capabilities

Essential Functions:

Materials, Process & Test Engineering

• Support the characterization, qualification, and implementation of advanced composite materials and manufacturing processes
• Develop and execute mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing programs for composite materials and structures
• Coordinate testing activities with external laboratories and internal stakeholders
• Support the acquisition, installation, and validation of testing and data acquisition equipment
• Evaluate new materials, manufacturing methods, and technologies to improve product performance and manufacturability

Technical Documentation & Analysis

• Develop testing procedures, specifications, standards, and work instructions
• Analyze test results and generate clear, concise technical reports
• Maintain accurate material property data and testing records
• Support engineering documentation, configuration control, and customer deliverables

Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve material performance, process consistency, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency
• Support the development of material processing standards, handling procedures, and best practices
• Assist in resolving technical issues related to materials, manufacturing processes, and product performance
• Support standardization efforts across engineering and manufacturing operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, and Quality teams to support program execution
• Assist customers, suppliers, and testing laboratories with technical requirements and problem resolution
• Support Quality Assurance activities related to inspection, testing, verification, and acceptance criteria

What You Bring:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 2+ years of engineering experience in materials, testing, manufacturing, or product development
• Master's degree preferred

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes
• Understanding of mechanical testing, material characterization, and data analysis
• Familiarity with thermal, chemical, and cure analysis methods
• Working knowledge of Classical Lamination Theory
• Strong technical writing and problem-solving skills

Software & Tools

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with engineering test equipment and data acquisition systems preferred
• Microsoft Project experience is a plus

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person (due to ITAR requirements)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $85,000 – $115,000 (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)
• 8 Paid Holidays + Generous PTO (up to 4 weeks after 5 years)
• $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.