Lead Build Engineer, Composites

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking a Lead Build Engineer (Composites) to own the integration, build, and test of composite structures from prototype through production ramp. You will operate at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and test, ensuring builds are reliable, repeatable, and produced at rate.

This is a hands-on role on the factory floor, solving problems in real time, driving hardware to completion, and collaborating with design engineering to improve yield while meeting schedule and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with composite structures in aerospace/defense/high‑performance automotive.
• Demonstrated experience building real hardware, not just design.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on build of composite structures (airframes, tanks, ducts, control surfaces).
• Drive daily execution against build schedules by removing blockers and maintaining momentum.
• Translate engineering intent into executable builds under real‑world constraints.
• Define and execute bonding, fastening, trimming, and finishing operations.
• Lead fit‑up, alignment, and tolerance closure across multi‑part assemblies.
• Develop and refine composite processes including layup, cure cycles, trimming and bonding.
• Rapidly iterate processes from prototype to mass production.
• Plan and execute structural and functional tests of composite assemblies.
• Own failure investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Composite structures

Hands-on hardware

Problem solving

Manufacturing support

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Prepreg layup

Oven/autoclave cure

Cure cycles

NDT methods

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 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

We are building the industrial base required to deter adversaries and win the next generation of conflict. That starts with factories capable of producing advanced composite structures at unprecedented scale, speed, and quality.

As a Lead Build Engineer (Composites), you will own the integration, build, and test of composite structures and assemblies, from early prototypes through production ramp. You will operate at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and test, ensuring that what we design can be built reliably, repeatedly, and at rate.

This is not a coordination role. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, driving hardware to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on build of composite structures (airframes, tanks, ducts, control surfaces, etc.)
• Drive daily execution against build schedules by removing blockers, re-sequencing work, and maintaining momentum
• Translate engineering intent into executable builds under real-world constraints
• Define and execute bonding, fastening, trimming, and finishing operations
• Lead fit-up, alignment, and tolerance closure across multi-part assemblies
• Develop and refine composite processes including:
  • Layup (manual and automated)
  • Cure cycles (oven/autoclave)
  • Trimming, machining, and secondary bonding
• Rapidly iterate processes from prototype to repeatable mass production
• Identify design issues early (ply drops, access constraints, tolerance stackups, cure distortion)
• Partner with design engineering to simplify builds and improve yield
• Push for designs that enable rate, cost efficiency, and reliability
• Plan and execute structural and functional tests of composite assemblies
• Own failure investigations (bond failures, delamination, voids, distortion)
• Implement corrective actions quickly and permanently
• Define:
  • Build sequences
  • Tooling requirements
  • Work instructions (at appropriate execution tier)
• Support line bring-up and operator training
• Be the first responder to build issues on the floor

Required Qualifications

• Bachelorʼs degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with composite structures in aerospace, defense, or high‑performance automotive
• Demonstrated experience building real hardware (not just designing)

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep experience with one or more:
  • Prepreg layup & oven/autoclave cure
  • Resin infusion / RTM
  • Filament winding
• Strong understanding of:
  • Composite failure modes (delamination, porosity, fiber misalignment)
  • Tooling design and cure behavior
  • Adhesives and bonded joint design
• Experience scaling from prototype to production
• Familiarity with:
  • NDI methods (ultrasound, CT, thermography)
  • CNC trimming of composites
  • Ply cutting, kitting, and material handling systems
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Ply books
  • Laminate schedules
  • Engineering drawings and GD&T

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Pay Range

$145,000—$175,000 USD

Key Elements Of Our Compensation Philosophy

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance‑Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Data Privacy

To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy.

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