Background
Prismatic is a technology development company, specialising in the design, manufacture and delivery of innovative, high value aerospace products and systems. Prismatic is a subsidiary of BAE systems, led by a technically and commercially focused team. Our cutting-edge systems (such as the high-altitude PHASA-35) have clear commercial value, are developed at pace and address critical customer needs.
We are seeking a highly skilled Composites Engineer with strong end-to-end knowledge of composite materials and structures. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience across composite design, structural analysis, manufacturing, testing, and repair. This role involves supporting the full lifecycle of composite structures from initial design through testing, validation, and in-service works.
Tasks and Accountabilities
- Apply knowledge of composite materials and adhesives in design, testing, and repair activities.
- Develop, review, and implement composite repair procedures, including defect characterisation and classification, damage assessment, repair, design, and validation.
- Support composite manufacturing processes, including tooling, layup, curing, and design for manufacture.
- Attend onsite inspections at manufacturers and suppliers to support testing, manufacturing, inspection, and quality activities.
- Provide testing support to the Design and Structures Team, including planning and execution of structural and composite tests (coupon and full-scale).
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure structural integrity and compliance with requirements.
- Support the design and development of composite structures including lightweighting and layup optimisation.
- Utilise 3D CAD tools to support design, test fixtures, and repair concepts with experience using 3D printers for prototyping and test support.
- Work within and support company processes using an ERP system for documentation, traceability, and configuration control.
- Ensure adherence to applicable industry standards, specifications, and certification requirements.
Requirements
Essential
- Relevant education in composites materials or a minimum 7 years’ experience in a composites-related engineering role.
- Full UK drivers’ licence and a willingness to travel to manufacturers and suppliers when required.
- Strong general IT skills (e.g. MS Office).
- Proven experience in at least two of the following areas: composites: design, testing, analysis, manufacture, or quality.
- Basic proficiency in 3D CAD tools.
- Effective report writing skills.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrates high ethical standards and professional integrity.
- A willingness to deploy for periods of time to support flight trials. Flight trials are typically conducted overseas and may take place in relatively remote locations. Personal circumstances related to deployment will be considered and discussed during flight trials planning.
Desirable
- Experience in the aerospace or UAS industry.
- Experience working with ERP systems in an engineering or manufacturing environment (desirable).
- Familiarity with PDM systems or engineering data management tools to support controlled design processes and documentation traceability.
- Hands-on composite repair experience.
- Strong CAD capability.
- Experience with FEA and composite analysis toolsets.
- Familiarity with aerospace materials and process specifications or certification environments.