Director, Manufacturing Engineering

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms . At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 180 employees , we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

At Mach Industries, we are building the next generation of high-performance autonomous aerial vehicles and scaling production from prototype to full-rate manufacturing. As the Director, Manufacturing Engineering, you will own the development of our manufacturing systems, from concept and prototyping through mass production, enabling the company to build world-class hardware at speed, scale, and quality.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for new product introduction, advanced manufacturing processes, and factory automation. This includes translating early engineering concepts into producible designs, architecting production lines and tooling systems, and driving continuous improvement across every stage of the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the manufacturing engineering organization covering NPI, advanced manufacturing, and automation & controls.

Partner with design engineering to ensure manufacturability from the first prototype through mature production.

Establish and scale pilot production lines to validate new designs, processes, and equipment before mass deployment.

Define and implement advanced manufacturing methods—machining, composites, additive, joining, precision assembly, and avionics—to meet cost, rate, and quality goals.

Architect production lines and factory layouts that optimize flow, throughput, and flexibility for future growth.

Lead the specification, selection, and commissioning of production equipment and automation systems.

Develop data-driven process control and traceability systems to support full-rate manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to meet aggressive build schedules and production targets.

Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performance team of build, manufacturing, automation, and industrial engineers.

Build and enforce manufacturing standards, documentation, and best practices across the company.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, electrical, or industrial engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.

10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles driving NPI and production ramp-ups.

Demonstrated experience transitioning complex hardware from prototype to production.

Hands-on experience with factory design, automation, and process validation.

Proven ability to deliver under aggressive timelines and resource constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience building production lines for high-precision hardware (aerospace, automotive, defense, robotics, or similar).

Expertise in DFMA, lean manufacturing, and process optimization.

Experience integrating MES, PLC, IoT, and other factory control systems.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Relentless drive for continuous improvement, speed, and technical excellence.

Passion for solving problems that have never been solved before.

Willingness to be hands-on and work on the production floor as needed.

Occasional travel to suppliers and production sites.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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