Composites R&D Manufacturing Engineering Lead
BETA Technologies
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
BETA Technologies is seeking a Composites R&D Manufacturing Engineering Lead to drive next-gen composite manufacturing at the company. This role identifies and implements new technologies, expands capacity, and reduces costs while leading a team of manufacturing engineers.
You will bridge design and manufacturing, embedding early in the design process to shape future programs. The ideal candidate combines hands-on composite manufacturing depth with strategic vision and leadership to scale from
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- 8+ years in manufacturing engineering with NPI and composite R&D.
- Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods.
- Strong Lean and Six Sigma background with process optimization results.
- NPI experience scaling production from prototype to high-rate manufacturing.
- DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T expertise.
- DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA experience.
- Experience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks) and Minitab.
- FAA Part 21 production familiarity.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies to expand capability and reduce cost.
- Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness.
- Develop and maintain design guides defining methods, constraints, materials, and best practices.
- Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production; perform manufacturability reviews.
- Advance composite methods from R&D to production-ready scale-up.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma to streamline operations and reduce cycle time.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers.
- Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investments.
- Troubleshoot defects and implement corrective actions.
- Create work instructions and process control plans.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive the next generation of composite manufacturing capability at BETA. This high-impact role will identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies that expand what our composites shop can produce - increasing capacity, enabling new product forms, and delivering step-change cost reductions. This leader will build and manage a team of manufacturing engineers while serving as the bridge between manufacturing and design, embedding early in the design process and developing authoritative design guides that shape future programs from day one. The ideal candidate balances hands-on technical depth in composite manufacturing with strategic vision and has the leadership skills to get us there.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
- Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies (AFP, RTM, ATL, in-situ consolidation, etc.) to expand capability and reduce cost
- Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demands
- Develop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practices
- Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting formal manufacturability reviews at key milestones
- Advance composite manufacturing methods (layup, resin infusion, autoclave, filament winding) from R&D validation through production-ready scale-up
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle time
- Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers
- Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisions
- Troubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions
- Create work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale-up
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- 8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process development
- Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.)
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven results
- Proven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturing
- Deep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principles
- Proficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack-ups
- Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teams
- Experience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), statistical analysis (Minitab), and ERP/MES systems
- Familiarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and aerospace quality systems
- Prior experience in composite structures for aerospace, eVTOL, or electric aircraft environments
- Advanced degree (Master's) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Experience with aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP certification)
- Track record of step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, or cost
- Experience with manufacturing facility planning, greenfield/brownfield expansion, and equipment commissioning
- Experience developing and publishing DFM handbooks or design guides for engineering organizations
The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.
$125,000 - $160,000 USD
BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us.
- Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members
- Onsite healthcare in Vermont
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Dental and vision
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid parental leave
- Daily lunch provided
- Flight lessons - part of the experience
- Range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.
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