Composite Engineers specialise in the design, development, and manufacturing of composite materials – engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. These engineers play a crucial role in industries where high-strength, lightweight materials are essential, such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and sporting goods.
In their day-to-day work, Composite Engineers might be found in laboratories testing new material combinations, in design offices using specialised software to model composite structures, or on factory floors overseeing the manufacturing process of composite parts. They work with a wide range of materials, including carbon fibre, glass fibre, aramid fibres, and various polymer resins.
The role of a Composite Engineer requires a unique blend of materials science knowledge, mechanical engineering principles, and manufacturing expertise. They must understand the behaviour of different fibres and resins, how they interact, and how to optimise their properties for specific applications. Additionally, they need to be familiar with various manufacturing processes such as layup, resin transfer moulding, and autoclave curing.