Head of R&D; – Composites (UAV)
? Thanjavur | Full time
We are looking for a highly experienced Head of R&D; – Composites to serve as the organisation’s technical authority for composite design and manufacturing.
This is a senior role that will work closely with the Product Development Team, providing expert guidance on composite airframe design, structural optimisation, mould/tooling strategy, material selection, and manufacturability, while taking complete ownership of the Composite Fabrication Team and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Advise the Product Development Team on composite airframe design, structural concepts, material selection, laminate design, and manufacturability.
Review and optimise UAV wings, fuselage, control surfaces, fairings, and other composite structures for weight, strength, stiffness, and production feasibility.
Provide technical leadership for mould and tooling design, including mould architecture, master patterns, bonding/assembly fixtures, and production tooling.
Lead the complete Composite Fabrication Team,



from prototype development through production.
Establish and optimise prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, oven/autoclave curing, wet layup, bonding, trimming, finishing, and assembly processes.
Define laminate schedules, ply orientation, core materials, adhesives, curing cycles, and composite manufacturing standards.
Lead composite prototype development, process trials, structural testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement.
Establish SOPs, quality controls, inspection criteria, process documentation, and workmanship standards.
Develop the composite team's capabilities, infrastructure, equipment, and production processes as UAV programs scale.
Work closely with Product Development, Tooling, Quality, Manufacturing, and Flight Test teams to resolve airframe and composite-related challenges.
Requirements
6+ years of hands-on experience in advanced composite design and manufacturing, preferably in UAV or aerospace applications.
Deep

📌 Head of R&D – Composites (Thanjavur)
🏢 Yali Aerospace
📍 Thanjavur