Certified Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer (CACME)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Certified Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer (CACME) certification is designed for:

• Aerospace Materials & Structural Engineers: Professionals specializing in composite material design, analysis, and optimization for aircraft and spacecraft.

• Military & Defense Personnel: Service members and specialists responsible for aircraft structural repair, composite fabrication, and thermal protection system maintenance (e.g., Air Force 2A7X3, Army 15G, Navy AM, Marine Corps 6098).

• Composite Manufacturing & Fabrication Engineers: Individuals working in aerospace-grade carbon fiber, resin matrix systems, and advanced composite layup techniques.

• Thermal Protection & High-Temperature Materials Specialists: Engineers developing shielding solutions for hypersonic vehicles, spacecraft re-entry systems, and propulsion components.

• Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Engineers and technicians designing and testing high-performance composite structures for commercial and military aerospace applications.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in aerospace engineering, materials science, or mechanical engineering seeking specialization in composite materials and structures.

ELIGIBILITY

The Certified Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer (CACME) certification is designed for professionals working with aerospace composite materials, thermal protection systems, and high-durability structures. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Fundamentals of Aerospace Composite Materials

1.1. Define composite material properties and classifications.
1.2. Explain fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structures and their role in aerospace.
1.3. Identify the advantages and challenges of composites over traditional aerospace metals.

2. Carbon Fiber & High-Performance Composites

2.1. Describe carbon fiber manufacturing processes, including resin infusion and autoclave curing.
2.2. Explain fiber orientation, stacking sequences, and layup design for optimal strength.
2.3. Identify failure mechanisms, including delamination, fiber breakage, and matrix cracking.

3. Thermal Protection Systems & High-Temperature Composites

3.1. Explain ceramic matrix composites (CMC) for hypersonic and re-entry vehicles.
3.2. Describe thermal shielding materials, including ablative and insulation coatings.
3.3. Identify high-temperature adhesives and bonding techniques for aerospace applications.

4. Composite Structural Analysis & Finite Element Modeling (FEM)

4.1. Explain stress-strain behavior and failure modes in composite materials.
4.2. Describe finite element analysis (FEA) techniques for composite structures.
4.3. Identify modeling and simulation tools used in composite stress analysis.

5. Aerospace Composite Manufacturing & Fabrication

5.1. Describe hand layup, filament winding, and automated fiber placement techniques.
5.2. Explain composite curing processes, including autoclave and out-of-autoclave methods.
5.3. Identify quality control and defect inspection methods for composite structures.

6. Nondestructive Testing (NDT) & Damage Detection

6.1. Explain ultrasonic, thermographic, and radiographic NDT methods for composites.
6.2. Describe impact damage assessment and repair techniques.
6.3. Identify in-service monitoring strategies for composite airframes and spacecraft.

7. Aerospace Composite Applications & Lightweight Design

7.1. Explain composite material applications in commercial and military aircraft.
7.2. Describe weight reduction strategies for space and satellite structures.
7.3. Identify composite applications in rotorcraft, UAVs, and next-generation aerospace systems.

8. Environmental & Aging Effects on Aerospace Composites

8.1. Describe composite degradation due to UV, moisture, and temperature cycling.
8.2. Explain accelerated aging tests and long-term durability analysis.
8.3. Identify maintenance and refurbishment techniques for aging composite structures.

9. Future Innovations in Aerospace Composite Materials

9.1. Describe advancements in self-healing composites and smart materials.
9.2. Explain nanocomposites and their impact on aerospace performance.
9.3. Identify additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques for aerospace composites.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Certified Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer (CACME) certification aligns with military roles specializing in composite material applications, aircraft structural maintenance, and thermal protection systems. Relevant military job codes include:

• 2A7X3 – Air Force Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician

• 15G – Army Aircraft Structural Repairer

• AM (Aviation Structural Mechanic) – U.S. Navy Composite & Airframe Repair Specialist

• 6098 – Marine Corps Aircraft Structural Mechanic (Composites)

• Space Force & Aerospace Materials Engineering Roles

• Aerospace & Defense Engineers in Composite Design & Manufacturing

This certification is valuable for engineers, technicians, and defense contractors working on aerospace composite structures, high-temperature materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques for aircraft and spacecraft applications.