Lead Build Engineer, Composites

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

A defense technology company in Huntington Beach is looking for a Lead Build Engineer (Composites) to oversee the integration, build, and testing of composite structures. The role requires hands-on involvement with the manufacturing process and building systems that enhance defense capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field along with 3+ years of experience working with composite structures in aerospace or defense. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package focused on professional development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with composite structures in aerospace, defense, or high-performance automotive.
• Demonstrated experience building real hardware.
• Demonstrated experience building real hardware (not just designing).

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on build of composite structures.
• Drive daily execution against build schedules.
• Partner with design engineering to simplify builds.
• 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, 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, and work instructions.

Skills

Hands-on experience with composite structures

Problem-solving

Execution against build schedules

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

NDI methods (ultrasound, CT, thermography)

CNC trimming of composites

Ply cutting, kitting, material handling

Prepreg layup & oven/autoclave cure

Laminate schedules & GD&T interpretation

Job description

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 220 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

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!