Hawthorn Aero, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Staff or Principal Composites Engineer to lead advanced materials and process development in support of aerospace and defense programs. This role is ideal for a highly technical, hands‑on engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working closely with manufacturing, quality, and design teams to bring complex composite structures from concept to production. The Senior Staff or Principal Composites Engineer will serve as a technical leader, mentor, and subject‑matter expert across the organization.

• Perform incoming receiving inspection using packing list, print characteristics, and certificate of conformance to verify that the correct products meet conforming standards

• Perform in-process inspections using inspection reports and manufacturing planning, and enter data when applicable

• Perform final product inspection and testing using inspection reports and manufacturing planning, and enter data when applicable

• Basic blueprint reading skills to measure parts with basic gauges and metrology hand tools

• Statistical process control (SPC), collecting various data and entering data electronically for analysis

• Assist the management team in monitoring standard practices, training, safety, and housekeeping standards by conducting random audits in all areas

• Assist in the control and processing of non-conforming material in all areas of receiving and production

• Other duties as assigned

The Quality Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures the highest level of product quality. This role involves developing testing protocols, analyzing production data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a methodical and highly organized professional with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional products.

The Principal Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Integration Engineer serves as the senior technical authority responsible for the integration of a third-party designed unmanned aircraft system into company production, test, and delivery into operational environments in support of U.S. Department of War programs.

This role is initially focused on direct technical execution combined with oversight of integration activities, ensuring successful transition of manufacturing, integration, test, and acceptance processes from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the company’s facility. As programs mature and production capability scales, the position is expected to evolve toward a predominantly leadership-focused role, emphasizing technical oversight, team leadership, and strategic integration planning.

The Manufacturing Engineer focuses on expanding manufacturing and technology capabilities, improving existing manufacturing systems, enabling the introduction of new products, and providing project management support for various departments throughout the company.

The CMT will be responsible for manufacturing Spintech’s (Hawthorn Composites and Smart Tooling) mandrels and bladders, customers’ prototype composite parts, and Gemini Materials composite patch products and deploying such products at customer sites, as necessary.