Senior Customer Engineer – Composite Materials Innovation & Aerospace Manufacturing Leadership at arenaflex

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a global science‑driven organization that pioneers breakthrough composite material solutions for the aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer‑goods sectors. Inspired by a legacy of scientific collaboration, arenaflex brings together engineers, material scientists, and innovators to create high‑performance, sustainable products that shape the future of mobility and industry. With more than 13,000 associates worldwide, we are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity, inclusion, and continuous learning. Our portfolio spans advanced thermoset prepregs, thermoplastic systems, adhesives, primers, and surfacing films that enable lighter, stronger, and more environmentally responsible designs.

Why This Role Matters

As a Senior Customer Engineer at arenaflex, you will be the technical bridge between our cutting‑edge composite technologies and the aerospace customers who rely on them. You will drive material innovation, guide complex manufacturing processes, and ensure that our solutions deliver measurable value across the product lifecycle—from concept to certification. This position offers a unique blend of hands‑on engineering, strategic consulting, and cross‑functional leadership, making it ideal for professionals who thrive on solving challenging problems while shaping the future of aerospace composites.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and nurture new composite material systems and manufacturing technologies that align with market demands and specific customer requirements.
• Lead concept‑development activities for emerging opportunities, integrating material science, process engineering, and part‑design considerations.
• Serve as the principal technical interface with customers, acting as the “Voice of the Customer” to ensure internal alignment across arenaflex’s engineering, R&D, and production teams.
• Identify technology gaps, propose road‑maps, and advise on future product and process development strategies.
• Promote arenaflex’s product portfolio, articulating clear value propositions and ROI analyses to both technical and executive audiences.

Project Execution & Support

• Lead and support projects that involve material manufacturing, prototyping, and part builds using thermoset prepregs, thermoplastics, adhesives, primers, and surfacing films.
• Oversee processes such as autoclave, out‑of‑autoclave, press‑molding, and resin infusion, ensuring compliance with aerospace quality standards.
• Provide on‑site technical support to major aerospace OEMs and subcontractors for both new and legacy programs, ranging from shop‑floor mechanics to senior procurement and engineering leadership.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve material‑related issues in aerospace composite shops, coordinating corrective actions across multiple functional groups.
• Lead research and development initiatives that target technical and business objectives, including simulation analysis, structural performance modeling, and cost‑reduction studies.

Business Development & Market Insight

• Collaborate with Account Managers to capture new business opportunities, assess market trends, develop compelling business cases, and evaluate competitor materials.
• Identify potential new applications for arenaflex products, fostering innovative processes for material deposition, forming, and curing on aerospace platforms.
• Accompany customers on arenaflex site audits and visits, leading discussions, presenting technical data, and ensuring mutual understanding of project goals.
• Support targeted projects focused on product configuration, capability enhancement, lean manufacturing, and cost‑optimization.
• Coordinate conformance and specification issues between arenaflex plants and key customer procurement and specification custodians.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s or Ph.D. is a strong plus.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience with aerospace composite part fabrication, including problem‑solving, technical presentations, and project management.
• At least 2 years of experience reviewing composite part designs/drawings for manufacturability and specification compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve product and process capability issues in composite applications, with a solid understanding of aerospace quality systems, statistical process control, and certification requirements.
• Proven track record of building trusted relationships with customers ranging from shop‑floor technicians to senior engineering and procurement leaders.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS) for composite part analysis and structural performance prediction.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication skills—able to translate complex technical concepts into clear, business‑focused language for diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including international visits to customer sites and arenaflex facilities.
• Fluency in additional languages is a plus, given arenaflex’s global customer base.

Core Competencies for Success

• Technical Acumen: Deep knowledge of composite material science, processing techniques, and aerospace standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate market needs, align technology road‑maps, and influence product development decisions.
• Collaboration: Skilled at working across multidisciplinary teams, fostering open communication, and driving consensus.
• Customer Focus: Passion for understanding customer challenges, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring long‑term satisfaction.
• Problem‑Solving: Proactive approach to diagnosing issues, developing corrective actions, and preventing recurrence.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its employees. As a Senior Customer Engineer, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior leaders in composite technology and aerospace program management.
• Continuous learning platforms covering advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and leadership development.
• Opportunities to lead high‑visibility projects that directly impact multi‑billion‑dollar aerospace programs.
• Cross‑functional rotations that broaden exposure to R&D, supply chain, and commercial strategy.
• Support for certifications such as AS9100, Six Sigma Green Belt, and advanced simulation tool credentials.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our workplaces blend state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, collaborative open‑plan offices, and flexible hybrid arrangements. arenaflex champions a culture of:

• Inclusion & Diversity: We celebrate varied perspectives and encourage every associate to bring their authentic self to work.
• Safety First: Robust safety programs protect our people, our facilities, and our customers.
• Innovation Mindset: Employees are empowered to experiment, share ideas, and challenge the status quo.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible schedules, remote‑work options, and generous parental leave policies support personal well‑being.
• Community Impact: arenaflex participates in sustainability initiatives, STEM outreach, and global humanitarian projects.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects the expertise you bring to the role. While exact figures are tailored to experience and location, the package typically includes:

• Base salary range of $90,880 – $113,600 USD per year, plus performance‑based bonuses and incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
• 16 + weeks of paid maternity, paternity, and co‑parenting leave, aligned with local regulations.
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible vacation policies.
• Access to a global training platform, free language courses (24 languages available), and well‑being programs covering physical and mental health.
• Employee assistance programs, commuter benefits, and on‑site amenities at major locations.

Application Process & Next Steps

If you are ready to influence the future of aerospace composites, drive technical excellence, and grow within a forward‑thinking organization, we encourage you to apply today. arenaflex values diversity and is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

To submit your application, please click the link below. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, contact our talent acquisition team at [email protected].

Apply Now – Join arenaflex and Shape the Future of Composite Innovation!