Lead, Composites R&D

ABOUT AIRBOUND:

Our mission is to make a world where everyone has access to delivery. Where goods move as freely as information moves today.

This is possible. Today the cost of moving on a scooter is 2 rs/km. That’s the cost of moving a 150kg mass from point A to B. We’re bringing that mass down to less than 5kgs, and thus, bringing the cost down to 10 paise/km. This is how we make 1 rupee deliveries a reality. This is how we create a world where we’re doing billions of deliveries per day.

The tech is not there. The current cost of drone delivery is 100rs/km. We need to completely redefine the way things are done here. We’re building the world’s most efficient aircraft from the ground-up, and scaling that up to beyond anything the aerospace sector has ever seen. This cannot be an iterative process. We have to tear down all conventions and build everything up from scratch.

To do this, we need nothing less than the best engineers. The ones who care about building something fundamentally different, who are deeply curious about understanding the fundamentals of everything they’re working on, who are dreamers that believe in the impossible.

ROLE SUMMARY:

At Airbound, composites are the backbone of building ultra-light, high-strength aircraft. We are already using some of the lightest weight parts in the world but want to push the limit even further. As Lead for R&D Composites, you will:

• Drive R&D sprints focused on composites, from material selection to part design and process innovation.
• Work hands-on to design, build, and test structural components, ensuring the lightest and strongest outcomes possible.
• Use CAD and simulation tools to model composite structures and optimize for weight, strength, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electronics teams to integrate composites seamlessly into full aircraft systems.
• Build and scale repeatable, high-precision manufacturing processes suited for both prototypes and mass production.
• Lead a composites R&D team, mentoring engineers and technicians to push boundaries in materials and processes.
• Bring prior experience of developing composite parts from concept to finished products, demonstrating a track record of real builds.

PREFERRED SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in composite part design, development, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record of taking composite structures from concept to production-ready builds.
• Strong expertise in composite processes such as prepreg layup, RTM, vacuum infusion, and autoclave curing.
• Proficiency with CAD and FEA tools for structural analysis, weight optimization, and failure prediction.
• Familiarity with advanced materials including high-modulus fibers, honeycomb cores, and thermoplastics.
• Experience in destructive and non-destructive testing methods for composites.
• Demonstrated ability to lead R&D teams, mentor engineers/technicians, and drive material/process innovation.