Manager of Payload Systems and Integration

Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Mach is seeking a Manager of Payload Systems and Integration to own and deliver payload capability across our munition platforms—from early concept through real-world deployment. This role is about owning outcomes, driving execution, and closing the gap between design and deployment.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone who wants to directly shape systems that reach the field quickly. You will be responsible for ensuring payload systems are designed correctly, fully integrated into our vehicles, and proven through test and flight operations.

You will work in tight coordination with our Vehicle Leads and Test & Flight Operations team to rapidly iterate and deliver mission-ready capability to the warfighter.

• Own the end-to-end payload system, including warhead, fuzing, energetics, and effects
• Own integration of payloads into operational platforms, ensuring performance at the full system level
• Define and maintain System requirements and Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Develop and own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling, Integration, and Ground operations of energetic systems
• Ensure payload systems are safe, repeatable, and operationally executable across engineering, test, and field environments
• Work directly with Vehicle Leads to drive system architecture, constraints, and tradeoffs
• Ensure payload designs are practical, manufacturable, and mission-aligned including working with internal and external supply chain and manufacturing teams

• Own the verification and validation strategy for payload systems
• Develop test plans, evaluation methodologies, and acceptance criteria tied to system requirements and mission outcomes
• Execute alongside test and flight ops teams to conduct ground testing, flight testing, and live-fire events
• Rapidly iterate designs based on real-world test data
• Validate handling, integration, and operational procedures through ground and flight test activities

• Serve as the payload lead during test campaigns and flight operations
• Support range events, demos, and field deployments
• Drive tight iteration loops between design → test → analysis → deployment

• Own payload readiness across prototype, validation, demonstration, and fielding
• Deliver systems that meet targets for performance, reliability, safety, and timeline
• Translate mission needs into deployable, integrated payload capability

• 5–10+ years of experience in munitions, missile systems, or energetics
• Proven track record owning design, integration, verification, and validation of complex hardware systems
• Strong technical background in warhead / energetics design and/or weapon system integration
• Experience developing requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test and validation strategies, and SOPs
• Experience operating in Flight test, range, or live-fire environments
• Familiarity with fuze safety and arming requirements, including experience working with DoD/Service safety boards (e.g., Fuze Safety Review Board) and relevant MIL-STD guidelines

• Experience delivering payloads on missiles, loitering munitions, or unmanned systems
• Background in system-level design and trade studies
• Experience in fast-paced or early-stage engineering environments

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control…