Manufacturing Engineer

Natilus; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vis

401k Retirement Plan

Unlimited PTO

Onsite Gym Access

Job summary

Natilus in San Diego, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop and implement manufacturing processes for aircraft structures and assemblies. You will work with design engineers, technicians and suppliers to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective and ready for production.

This hands-on role involves creating plans, procedures and tooling, supporting prototype fabrication and testing, and driving improvements across the production lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years in aerospace manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with composite or metallic aircraft structures.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures and assembly aids.
• Proficiency in CAD (NX/CATIA/SolidWorks) and reading engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of GD&T and engineering change processes.
• Experience collaborating with design engineers, technicians and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for aircraft structures and systems.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and producible for assembly.
• Create manufacturing plans, work instructions and production documentation.
• Support prototype fabrication, assembly, integration and testing.
• Design tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly aids.
• Resolve manufacturing challenges in materials, tolerances and methods.
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate capabilities and quality.
• Support inspection and quality control to meet requirements.
• Contribute during design reviews with manufacturing input.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Assist transition from prototype to repeatable production.

Skills

GD&T

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Overview

Natilus is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing processes, supporting aircraft fabrication and assembly, and ensuring engineering designs can be efficiently translated into high-quality, flight-ready hardware. You will work closely with design engineers, technicians, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to develop manufacturing solutions that support the development and production of our blended-wing-body aircraft. This is a hands‑on opportunity to contribute directly to aircraft development, establish manufacturing processes, and help build the foundation for future production operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and assemblies.
• Collaborate with design engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and suitable for assembly and integration.
• Develop manufacturing plans, work instructions, assembly procedures, and production documentation.
• Support prototype fabrication, aircraft assembly, integration, and testing activities.
• Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, jigs, and assembly aids.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges related to materials, tolerances, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, resolve technical issues, and ensure component quality.
• Support inspection, quality control, and verification activities to ensure compliance with engineering requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and provide manufacturing input throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline production processes.
• Support the transition from prototype development to repeatable manufacturing and production processes.
• Work directly with engineering and technical teams to troubleshoot manufacturing and assembly issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within aerospace or aviation industry.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, assembly procedures, and production documentation.
• Experience with composite structures, metallic aircraft structures, or both.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing standards and quality systems, including AS9100.
• Experience designing manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Siemens NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of mechanical fabrication, machining, assembly techniques, and manufacturing tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering change processes.
• Experience working collaboratively with design engineers, manufacturing technicians, and suppliers.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
• Willingness to take a hands‑on approach to manufacturing challenges and aircraft development.

Preferred

• Experience in aircraft manufacturing, prototype development, or experimental aircraft programs.
• Experience supporting aircraft integration, ground testing, or flight‑test preparation.
• Experience establishing manufacturing processes within an early‑stage aerospace or hardware development company.

• Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
• Retirement Plan - 401k
• Unlimited PTO
• Onsite Gym Access

Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.