Mechanical Process Engineer

Role Overview

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

• Design hardware and develop manufacturing processes to enable low cost, high reliability systems
• Own the bring-up of internal manufacturing processes including welding, fastening, adhesives, coatings, heat treatments, assembly, etc
• Establish company standards for controlling manufacturing processes in production and the associated test requirements necessary to ensure product life expectancy
• Co-develop product requirements to drive business direction in Cap Ex and make vs buy strategies
• Create detailed models and engineering drawings in SOLIDWORKS
• Conduct rigorous testing and iteration cycles to ensure reliability and robust performance across all environments and operational scenarios
• Continuously develop manufacturing processes to achieve high-rate, high-yield, and dependable production.
• Establish and manage an effective product lifecycle, from supply chain sourcing through final assembly and integration, balancing cost efficiency, production complexity, and quality standards; closely coordinate with partner teams to develop and operate an optimized in-house manufacturing line.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3-10 years of hands‑on project experience developing manufacturing processes
• Experience with trade‑studies to direct business decisions through development campaigns
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SOLIDWORKS preferred)
• Familiarity with different welding, fasteners, and special processes and the associated qualifications for different materials and different production rates
• Ability to manage large assembly models and drawings
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex manufacturing process with knowledge of how to introduce a process from scratch into production
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
• Exposure to a variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.