Senior Composite Structural Engineer

Make a SPLASH with Latham, The Pool Company!

At Latham, The Pool Company, we don’t just make swimming pools; we create opportunities for backyard dreams to come true. As the leading manufacturer in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, we are committed to delivering innovation, quality, and sustainability in everything we do.

We believe in building an environment where everyone can thrive. That is why we offer:

• A culture of integrity, collaboration, and respect.
• Comprehensive benefits for you and your family.
• Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and skill development.

A little about the position:

Job Summary

The Senior Composite Structural Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, testing, and optimization of composite structures across Latham's Fiberglass business. The role leads value engineering initiatives through advanced structural analysis, material evaluation, testing, and cross-functional collaboration. The position serves as a key technical resource, driving innovative solutions that improve product quality, durability, manufacturability, cost competitiveness, and customer value while delivering measurable business results.

Some of What You Will Do:

Value Engineering & Product Development

• Identify, evaluate, and execute value engineering opportunities related to product design, materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chain optimization.
• Develop technical recommendations supported by engineering analysis, testing, and financial justification.
• Deliver measurable cost reductions, product improvements, and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Support project managers in developing technical work plans, schedules, and implementation strategies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support successful implementation of engineering changes and new product introductions.

Structural Design & Analysis

• Design and optimize composite laminate structures and reinforcement systems to meet performance, durability, and cost objectives.
• Perform structural analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS and ABAQUS.
• Develop analytical calculations and engineering models to support product development activities.
• Evaluate structural performance, durability, and failure mechanisms through simulation and testing.
• Support the development of design standards, performance criteria, and engineering best practices.

Materials & Manufacturing Innovation

• Evaluate alternative materials, manufacturing technologies, and process improvements to enhance product value.
• Support qualification of new materials and manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and sourcing teams to improve product performance and process capability.
• Participate in development and validation of manufacturing improvements and process optimization initiatives.

Testing & Validation

• Develop comprehensive validation plans, test methods, and performance criteria.
• Plan and conduct laboratory, environmental, and field testing to verify structural performance and product durability.
• Analyze test data and establish correlations between test results, simulation outputs, and real-world performance.
• Prepare and present technical findings and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.

Technical Leadership

• Lead technical portions of DFMEA activities and structural risk assessments.
• Identify technical risks and recommend mitigation plans.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers, technicians, and project teams.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective action validation activities.
• Lead technical reviews, design evaluations, and failure investigations for critical product and process improvement projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and engineering technicians while promoting engineering best practices.

Documentation & Communication

• Develop and maintain engineering specifications, design guidelines, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Prepare design reviews, engineering reports, and technical recommendations.
• Effectively communicate technical information to manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and leadership teams.

Support data-driven decision making through engineering analysis and validation

What You Bring to the Table: (Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Marine Engineering, Composite Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required. Master's degree preferred.
• 5-10 years of experience in composite structural engineering, analysis, testing, and product development.
• Experience in marine, aerospace, automotive, construction, or other composite-intensive industries preferred.
• Experience with fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP), composite marine structures, recreational products, transportation, or other large composite structures preferred.
• Experience with gel coat systems, laminate construction, resin systems, reinforcement materials, and durability testing preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing composite products from concept through production implementation.
• Experience with cost reduction, product optimization, durability improvement, or manufacturing efficiency initiatives.
• Experience utilizing analytical methods, simulation tools, and physical testing to support engineering decisions.
• Experience evaluating composite structures exposed to outdoor environmental conditions, including UV, moisture, temperature cycling, and corrosion environments.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and project execution skills.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of composite design principles, laminate theory, material characterization, and failure analysis.
• Knowledge of fiberglass, polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and related composite material systems.
• Experience with classical laminate theory, composite failure criteria, and structural optimization techniques.
• Experience correlating finite element models with laboratory and field test data.
• Familiarity with material characterization and statistical methods for product validation.
• Proficiency with finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or equivalent software.
• Experience using CAD software, including SolidWorks.
• Experience developing and executing structural validation test programs.
• Understanding of composite manufacturing processes, including hand layup, spray-up, infusion, compression molding, and related methods.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, root cause analysis, and engineering problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project execution skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Why Join Latham? At Latham, we invest in your well-being, growth, and success. Our comprehensive benefits package supports you and your family with:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 24/7 telehealth and wellness resources
• Personalized benefits advocacy and support
• Expert second opinions and access to leading specialists
• 401(k) with a 50% company match up to 6%, and financial protection benefits
• Flexible PTO and 11 paid holidays
• Mental health, family care, and financial wellness resources

Join a team that's invested in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Some Important Information for you:

Position Title: Senior Composite Structural Engineer

Location: Zephyrhills Florida

Employment Type: Full TIme

Status: On site

Salary Range: $105,000 - $130,000

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across US geographic markets. Starting pay for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including location, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Pay ranges may be modified in the future.

Bonus: MIB Tier 3- 10%

Latham, The Pool Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Latham, The Pool Company is a Drug-Free Workplace Employer. All offers of employment are subject to applicable pre-employment requirements.