Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

Los Angeles, CA Area - Relocation Assistance Provided

Our client is a rapidly growing startup defense company that brings a new and innovative approach to the development and production of defense systems. They focus on short, iterative design cycles, with rapid developmental testing and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale.

Our client is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites, who will be an expert in composites manufacturing to help define and scale their in‑house composites manufacturing processes from raw material to flight parts. This will include scaling their current ceramic matrix composite (CMC) production line and supporting day‑to‑day production of all composite vehicle components including nozzles, aeroshells, fins, etc. This role will report directly to our client's Head of Manufacturing and work closely with the engineering leadership team to identify and eliminate roadblocks to achieving long‑term company goals.

As an early hire on the manufacturing team, this role will be highly influential in defining our client's manufacturing and production strategy and culture.

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and facility/layout definition to meet business needs
• Develop and refine process documentation including build instructions, test and validation procedures, health and safety standards, and mBOMs
• Create, maintain, and communicate detailed production plans and schedules
• Work closely with supply chain to develop new and existing suppliers as needed
• Design, develop and implement production tooling and equipment
• Participate in design reviews to drive design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and manufacturing capabilities
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing issues and non‑conformances
• Develop, mentor, and train peers and colleagues

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
• 5+ years of composite manufacturing experience
• Experience with operations/product line management
• Demonstrated direct or indirect leadership
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (NX preferred)
• Experience in selection, procurement, and implementation/validation of manufacturing equipment

• Experience in filament winding, automated fiber placement and/or automated tape laying
• Experience with Non‑Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components
• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping
• Experience with Ceramic Matrix Composites
• Experience in transitioning development processes to rate production

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time

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