Machine Shop Manufacturing Engineer

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Stock options

Life & Disability Insurance

Paid time off

Pet insurance

Free lunch

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. The Manufacturing Engineer will develop and optimize machining and fabrication processes, working closely with machinists, suppliers, and design engineers to scale production and improve part quality.

You will drive process improvements from prototype through production ramp, review GD&T and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, machining, fabrication, CNC programming, or machine shop operations.
• Strong understanding of related processes, tooling, workholding, and machining fundamentals.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical specifications.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes in a production environment.
• Familiarity with machining materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other engineering materials.
• Experience with process troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Strong understanding of precision measurement and inspection methods.
• Ability to work effectively with machinists and production personnel in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities and aggressive production goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes for machined and fabricated components and assemblies.
• Partner with machinists and shop personnel to troubleshoot production issues and improve process performance.
• Develop and implement processes from prototype through NPI and production.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and technical specifications to identify manufacturing requirements.
• Develop and optimize CNC machining strategies, including tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, tool selection, and process sequencing.
• Design and implement fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other tooling to improve part quality, repeatability, and cycle time.
• Support DFM/DFA activities and collaborate with design engineering to improve manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process documentation, setup sheets, tooling requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, surface finish, tooling, fixturing, and machining-related issues using structured root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, first-pass yield, machine utilization, and overall shop efficiency.
• Support the introduction of new machines, equipment, tooling, and manufacturing technologies into the machine shop.
• Establish and monitor process capability and manufacturing metrics to ensure consistent production performance.
• Work with Quality Engineering to develop inspection methods, control plans, and process controls for critical machined features.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and external machine shops as needed to develop processes and ensure manufacturability and quality requirements are met.
• Support capacity planning, production scaling, and the development of standardized machining processes.
• Participate in hands-on builds, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities on the production floor.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining know-how

Process troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

NX

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

In this role, you will work closely with machinists, manufacturing engineers, design engineers, and production teams to develop, improve, and sustain processes for making complex components and assemblies in our machine and fabrication shop. You will have the opportunity to work hands-on in a fast-paced environment where engineering decisions directly impact production quality, throughput, and scalability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes for machined and fabricated components and assemblies, including CNC milling and turning, cutting, bending, welding and other related operations.

• Partner with machinists and shop personnel to troubleshoot production issues and improve process performance.

• Develop and implement processes from prototype through NPI and production.

• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and technical specifications to identify manufacturing requirements and opportunities for improvement.

• Develop and optimize CNC machining strategies, including tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, tool selection, and process sequencing.

• Design and implement fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other tooling to improve part quality, repeatability, and cycle time.

• Support DFM/DFA activities and collaborate with design engineering to improve manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process documentation, setup sheets, tooling requirements, and standard operating procedures.

• Troubleshoot dimensional, surface finish, tooling, fixturing, and machining-related issues using structured root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, first-pass yield, machine utilization, and overall shop efficiency.

• Support the introduction of new machines, equipment, tooling, and manufacturing technologies into the machine shop.

• Establish and monitor process capability and manufacturing metrics to ensure consistent production performance.

• Work with Quality Engineering to develop inspection methods, control plans, and process controls for critical machined features.

• Collaborate with Supply Chain and external machine shops as needed to develop processes and ensure manufacturability and quality requirements are met.

• Support capacity planning, production scaling, and the development of standardized machining processes.

• Participate in hands-on builds, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities on the production floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, machining, fabrication, CNC programming, or machine shop operations.

• Strong understanding of related processes, tooling, workholding, and machining fundamentals.

• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical specifications.

• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes in a production environment.

• Familiarity with machining materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other engineering materials.

• Experience with process troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective action.

• Strong understanding of precision measurement and inspection methods.

• Ability to work effectively with machinists and production personnel in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities and aggressive production goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX, or equivalent.

• CNC programming experience.

• Experience designing fixtures and workholding solutions.

• Experience with machining composites or other advanced materials.

• Experience with high-mix, low-volume or highly complex manufacturing.

• Experience supporting NPI from prototype through production ramp.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with statistical process control, process capability studies, and tolerance analysis.

• Experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, marine, or other highly engineered manufacturing environments.

• Experience working with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.