Mechanical Engineer (Processes)

About the Company:

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a skilled mechanical engineer with a strong background in developing special processes. An ideal candidate can straddle mechanical design and process development from concept through production ramp. Conducting trade-studies to drive design changes with DFM and bring-up internal manufacturing capabilities will be the central focus of the role. Help establish the company’s standards for process control and test criteria and execute on CapEx plans to enable product launch and ramp.

Responsibilities:

• Design hardware and develop manufacturing processes to enable low cost, high reliability systems
• Own the bring-up of internal manufacturing processes including welding, fastening, adhesives, coatings, heat treatments, assembly, etc
• Establish company standards for controlling manufacturing processes in production and the associated test requirements necessary to ensure product life expectancy
• Co-develop product requirements to drive business direction in CapEx and make vs buy strategies
• Create detailed models and engineering drawings in SOLIDWORKS
• Conduct rigorous testing and iteration cycles to ensure reliability and robust performance across all environments and operational scenarios
• Continuously develop manufacturing processes to achieve high-rate, high-yield, and dependable production.
• Establish and manage an effective product lifecycle, from supply chain sourcing through final assembly and integration, balancing cost efficiency, production complexity, and quality standards; closely coordinate with partner teams to develop and operate an optimized in-house manufacturing line.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3-10 years of hands-on project experience developing manufacturing processes
• Experience with trade-studies to direct business decisions through development campaigns
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SOLIDWORKS preferred)
• Familiarity with different welding, fasteners, and special processes and the associated qualifications for different materials and different production rates
• Ability to manage large assembly models and drawings
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex manufacturing process with knowledge of how to introduce a process from scratch into production
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
• Exposure to a variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Additional Requirements:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Itar

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.