Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

divergent; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 142,900 - 227,950; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm in California is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead to guide the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. This role involves overseeing a team, developing scalable manufacturing methods, and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in engineering, 3+ years in leadership, and experience in aerospace or defense. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $142,900 to $227,950 USD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or manufacturing engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software and understanding of GD&T.
• Experience with MES, PLM, and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of manufacturing engineers.
• Oversee manufacturing requirements and process specifications.
• Set team priorities and track projects.
• Develop approaches to manufacturing process qualification.
• Implement advanced manufacturing strategies.
• Identify and deploy novel manufacturing technologies.
• Collaborate with design and production teams.

Job description

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

Guide the integration of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies into production, ensuring reliability, cost efficiency, and quality. This role shapes the future of Divergent’s manufacturing by enabling new processes, supporting high-mix hardware, and mentoring engineers to deliver industry-leading results.

The Role

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of manufacturing engineers responsible for driving design-for-manufacturing, process development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing methods across the DAPS manufacturing architecture.
• Oversee manufacturing requirements, process specifications, and root cause investigations to ensure reliable, high-quality production.
• Set team priorities, track projects, and mentor engineers to achieve critical company milestones.
• Develop industry-leading approaches to manufacturing process qualification, production scalability, and automation.
• Implement advanced manufacturing strategies in areas such as machining, additive manufacturing, assembly, bonding, coatings, and joining.
• Identify and deploy novel manufacturing technologies to improve quality, reduce cost, and increase throughput.
• Collaborate closely with design, materials, quality, and production teams to influence hardware design and production readiness.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role within manufacturing engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering role, with significant exposure to aerospace or defense industries.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, AutoCAD) and strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, robotics, and automation.
• Proven track record of leading complex projects from concept through production, focusing on high-performance materials and high-reliability applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent expertise in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with quality management systems like AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-tech, fast-paced startup environment with a passion for disrupting traditional manufacturing paradigms.

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels M06 - M07 as evaluated through our interview process.

Pay Range

$142,900 - $227,950 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity

Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.