Lead, Composite Structures Build Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision plans

Retirement savings

Equity participation

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, CA, is seeking a Lead Build Engineer (Composites) to own the integration, build, and test of composite structures from prototypes through production ramp. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, and driving hardware to completion.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3+ years building real hardware, with deep experience in composite structures used in aerospace or defense.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical 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).

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, 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
• Support line bring-up and operator training
• Be the first responder to build issues on the floor

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, CA, is seeking a Lead Build Engineer (Composites) to own the integration, build, and test of composite structures from prototypes through production ramp. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, and driving hardware to completion.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3+ years building real hardware, with deep experience in composite structures used in aerospace or defense.