Lead Fabrication Technician

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach Industries seeks a Lead Fabrication Technician to provide hands-on leadership in advanced manufacturing, including TIG welding, sheet metal, and machining of aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. You will mentor technicians, interpret drawings, and ensure quality and safety across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities include leading welds, operating Flow Waterjet, DFMA feedback, lean improvements, and coordinating shop workload with engineers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years hands-on fabrication in prototyping/production
• Proficiency in TIG welding with aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, structural assembly, mechanical integration
• Working knowledge of Flow Waterjet operation
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate work across a team and communicate with engineers
• Interpretation of technical drawings and fabrication instructions
• Familiarity with manual machining tools (mill, lathe, grinder) and general metalworking

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor fabrication technicians with training and quality oversight.
• Fabricate components and test fixtures using TIG welding and sheet metal techniques.
• Perform high-quality welds on multiple materials for prototypes and production.
• Operate the Flow Waterjet and train others in its use.
• Interpret drawings and ensure accurate builds with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate shop workload and shift coverage across projects.
• Provide DFMA feedback and escalate build issues to engineers.
• Oversee assembly of structures and fluid systems; ensure inspections and safety.

Skills

TIG welding

Team leadership

DFMA feedback

Drawings interpretation

Lean manufacturing

Tools

Flow Waterjet

Manual machining

Mills

Lathe

Grinder

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

The Lead Fabrication Technician provides hands‑on and technical leadership across advanced manufacturing projects, including custom test rig builds, structural aircraft modifications, and bespoke R&D hardware. This role combines precision welding, sheet metal fabrication, and machining expertise (aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium) with the ability to mentor technicians, prioritize shop workload, and uphold quality and safety standards. Success requires strong mechanical aptitude, close collaboration with engineers, and comfort adapting processes in a fast-moving, iterative environment. Availability for swing shifts is required to support development timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of fabrication technicians, providing hands‑on training, technique guidance, and quality oversight for welding, sheet metal, and machining work.
• Fabricate vehicle components, structural assemblies, and custom test fixtures using TIG welding, sheet metal techniques, and general metalworking, while setting the standard for weld and build quality.
• Perform and review high‑quality welds (horizontal, vertical, and overhead) on aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel for both prototype and production applications.
• Operate the Flow Waterjet and train other technicians on its use.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical documents, and ensure the team executes builds with minimal supervision and high accuracy.
• Prioritize and assign shop floor work across projects, balancing competing deadlines and coordinating coverage across shifts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the fabrication team and engineers, providing actionable Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback and escalating build issues as needed.
• Oversee structural and fluid system assembly, including routing and integration of tubes, brackets, and hardware.
• Own dimensional checks and visual weld inspections, prepare parts for NDT methods such as X-ray and dye penetrant, and ensure the team follows inspection protocols.
• Drive lean manufacturing practices and lead continuous improvement of fabrication processes, tooling, and workflows.
• Maintain and operate manual machines (mills, lathes, grinders) as needed, and ensure proper use and upkeep across the team.
• Take ownership of shop cleanliness, organization, and safety protocols, including enforcing safety standards among team members.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands‑on fabrication experience in a fast‑paced prototyping or production environment, including experience leading, mentoring, or training other technicians.
• Proficiency in TIG welding, including work with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
• Working knowledge of Flow Waterjet operation.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate work across a team, and to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, and leadership.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and follow precise fabrication instructions.
• Familiarity with manual machining (mill, lathe, grinder) and general metalworking tools.
• Strong attention to detail, safety‑minded, and capable of leading independently or in cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS) for reviewing and interpreting part models and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with machining principles, tolerancing, and GD&T.
• Experience collaborating on prototype development, including iterative fabrication and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback.
• Prior experience as a lead, supervisor, or shift lead in a fabrication or manufacturing shop.
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, or advanced R&D environments.
• Understanding of inspection methods, including visual, dimensional, and NDT‑prep processes.
• Comfort working in cross‑functional teams alongside engineers and technical leads.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Stick welding and dual‑shield welding.
  • Press brake operation and programming.
  • Fixture and part design.
  • Woodworking.

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

$40-$52 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.

By joining Mach, you're not just accepting a job- you're becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

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 of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.