Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D

BETA TECHNOLOGIES; South Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight lessons

Onsite healthcare in Vermont

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental and vision

Paid parental leave

Lunch provided

RSUs/PSUs

Job summary

BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive next‑gen composite manufacturing capabilities in Vermont. You will lead a team bridging design and production, embedding early in design and creating authoritative guides that shape programs from day one.

The role demands hands‑on depth in composite manufacturing, strong leadership, and a strategic vision to deliver cost reductions, capacity growth, and scale‑up from prototype to high-rate production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process development.
• Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.).
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven results.
• Proven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturing.
• Deep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principles.
• Proficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack-ups.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies to expand capability and reduce cost.
• Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demands.
• Develop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practices.
• Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting manufacturability reviews at milestones.
• Advance composite manufacturing methods from R&D validation through production-scale up.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle time.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers.
• Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisions.
• Troubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
• Create work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale-up.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process optimization

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Minitab

ERP/MES systems

Job description

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.

BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive the next generation of composite manufacturing capability at BETA. This high-impact role will identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies that expand what our composites shop can produce — increasing capacity, enabling new product forms, and delivering step-change cost reductions.

This leader will build and manage a team of manufacturing engineers while serving as the bridge between manufacturing and design, embedding early in the design process and developing authoritative design guides that shape future programs from day one. The ideal candidate balances hands‑on technical depth in composite manufacturing with strategic vision and has the leadership skills to get us there.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

• Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies (AFP, RTM, ATL, in‑situ consolidation, etc.) to expand capability and reduce cost
• Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demands
• Develop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practices
• Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting formal manufacturability reviews at key milestones
• Advance composite manufacturing methods (layup, resin infusion, autoclave, filament winding) from R&D validation through production‑ready scale‑up
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle time
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers
• Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisions
• Troubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions
• Create work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale‑up

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process development
• Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.)
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven results
• Proven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturing
• Deep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principles
• Proficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack‑ups
• Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop cross‑functional engineering teams
• Experience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), statistical analysis (Minitab), and ERP/MES systems
• Familiarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and aerospace quality systems

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

• Prior experience in composite structures for aerospace, eVTOL, or electric aircraft environments
• Advanced degree (Master's) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Experience with aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP certification)
• Track record of step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, or cost
• Experience with manufacturing facility planning, greenfield/brownfield expansion, and equipment commissioning
• Experience developing and publishing DFM handbooks or design guides for engineering organizations

The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.

Compensation

$125,000—$160,000 USD

Build electric airplanes with us!

BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full‑time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short‑and long‑term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.

We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.

Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.