Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Stock options

Free lunch benefit

Unlimited free drinks and snacks

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the Marine Industry is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in composites to develop and optimize production processes for autonomous surface vessels. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and hands-on experience in composites manufacturing. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, and competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in composite manufacturing, preferably in marine or aerospace.
• Understanding of composite material properties and processes, mainly fiberglass.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and translate designs into manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize composite manufacturing processes.
• Support production teams by troubleshooting and improving quality.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability.

Skills

Composites manufacturing

Lean manufacturing

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Position Summary: We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer with a specialization in composites to support the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes for autonomous surface vessels. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in composites manufacturing and a passion for driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced marine environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize composite (fiberglass) manufacturing processes.
• Support production teams by troubleshooting process issues, improving quality, and reducing waste.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of composite parts and assemblies.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and throughput.
• Support tooling design, maintenance, and optimization for composite manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations specific to composites handling and processing.
• Provide training and technical guidance to production staff on composite manufacturing best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Professional experience in composite manufacturing, preferably in the marine, aerospace, or automotive industry.
• Understanding of composite material properties, curing cycles, and process control. Preferably in fiberglass processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and translate designs into effective manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work hands-on in a production environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for tooling and process planning.
• Knowledge of quality control techniques specific to composites (NDT methods, visual inspection, destructive testing).
• Background in boatbuilding or marine manufacturing strongly desired.
• Broad understanding of product lifecycle, bill-of-materials management, and material traceability.
• Project management experience, including process scale-up and introduction of new materials or technologies.

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 99% of the premium 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
• 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
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

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.