Mechanical Engineer, Automated Solutions; FTC

About Us

Are you ready to shape how cutting-edge technologies are positioned, understood, and adopted by real markets? At Venture One, we build ventures and commercialize breakthrough technologies emerging from advanced research. Our focus spans Aerospace and Space, Security and Defense, Sustainability, Environment and Energy, and Transportation, with technologies across Cryptography, Secure Systems, Directed Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Systems, and more.

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to lead the end-to-end development and qualification of lights-out (fully autonomous) assembly and testing lines for aerospace and defense systems. The role combines design & validation of advanced automation parts, Robotic & IIoT-enabled manufacturing, and digital twin-driven optimization to deliver zero-defect, high-efficiency production systems. You will act as a technical authority for mechanical engineering across assembly processes, system integration, and production performance.

• Lead design validation and industrialization of complex mechanical assemblies, ensuring DFMEA/DFM/DFA, GD&T compliance, and robustness for automated production.
• Architect and deploy lights-out assembly lines with robotics, automated handling, and end-of-line (EOL) test systems.
• Develop and optimize assembly processes including:
  • Precision tightening systems (torque/angle control, error-proofing)
  • Controlled dispensing systems (adhesives, sealants, potting)
  • Pressing/forming operations (force-displacement monitoring)
  • Automated welding processes (laser, spot, arc - based on application)
  • Automated Painting and Surface Treatment process
• Architect and implement multi-layer Poka-Yoke systems to ensure zero-defect production:
  Sensor-based validation (presence/absence, orientation, alignment)
• Define and achieve production KPIs: cycle time, throughput, line balancing, and automation percentage.
• Design and integrate Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) systems for robotic and CNC-assisted assembly operations.
• Selection of Conveyor, Robots, Servo Press, Indexing table and assembly process equipment.
• Lead full line qualification (FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ) and ensure compliance with aerospace standards (AS9100, NADCAP where applicable).
• Establish robust traceability systems (part-level serialization, process parameter tracking, genealogy tracking).
• Design and validate test benches, ensuring calibration, repeatability, and compliance with aerospace testing requirements.
• Drive OEE improvement initiatives, including availability, performance, and quality optimization.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies (predictive, preventive, condition-based) to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Integrate ergonomic considerations for hybrid/manual stations, ensuring operator safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams & External Partners/OEMs (automation, controls, quality, supply chain, digital engineering).
• Implement IIoT-enabled manufacturing systems for real-time data acquisition, machine connectivity, and performance monitoring.
• Build and utilize Digital Twin / Process Twin models to simulate, validate, and optimize line performance, cycle time, and layout.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in automated assembly and testing systems, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on expertise in assembly processes: tightening, dispensing, pressing, and welding.
• Experience with IIoT systems, machine connectivity, and industrial data acquisition.
• Proven experience in design validation, tolerance stack-up, and production industrialization.
• Experience in line qualification (FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ) and process capability validation.
• Strong understanding of OEE, cycle time optimization, and line balancing techniques.
• Experience with test systems validation, calibration methods, and MSA (Measurement System Analysis).
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO, NADCAP).