About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 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.

The Role

We are building the industrial base required to deter adversaries and win the next generation of conflict. That starts with factories capable of producing advanced composite structures at unprecedented scale, speed, and quality.

As a Lead Build Engineer (Composites), you will own the integration, build, and test of composite structures and assemblies, from early prototypes through production ramp. You will operate at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and test, ensuring that what we design can be built reliably, repeatedly, and at rate.

This is not a coordination role. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, driving hardware to completion.

Key Responsibilities

Lead hands-on build of composite structures (airframes, tanks, ducts, control surfaces, etc.)

Drive daily execution against build schedules by removing blockers, re-sequencing work, and maintaining momentum

Translate engineering intent into executable builds under real-world constraints

Define and execute bonding, fastening, trimming, and finishing operations

Lead fit-up, alignment, and tolerance closure across multi-part assemblies

Develop and refine composite processes including:

Layup (manual and automated)

Cure cycles (oven/autoclave)

Trimming, machining, and secondary bonding

Rapidly iterate processes from prototype to repeatable mass production

Identify design issues early (ply drops, access constraints, tolerance stackups, cure

distortion)

Partner with design engineering to simplify builds and improve yield

Push for designs that enable rate, cost efficiency, and reliability

Plan and execute structural and functional tests of composite assemblies

Own failure investigations (bond failures, delamination, voids, distortion)

Implement corrective actions quickly and permanently

Define:

Build sequences

Tooling requirements

Work instructions (at appropriate execution tier)

Support line bring-up and operator training

Be the first responder to build issues on the floor

Required Qualifications

Bachelorʼs degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

3+ years of hands-on experience with composite structures in aerospace, defense, or

high-performance automotive

Demonstrated experience building real hardware (not just designing)

Preferred Qualifications

Deep experience with one or more:

Prepreg layup & oven/autoclave cure

Resin infusion / RTM

Filament winding

Strong understanding of:

Composite failure modes (delamination, porosity, fiber misalignment)

Tooling design and cure behavior

Adhesives and bonded joint design

Experience scaling from prototype to production

Familiarity with:

NDI methods (ultrasound, CT, thermography)

CNC trimming of composites

Ply cutting, kitting, and material handling systems

Ability to read and interpret:

Ply books

Laminate schedules

Engineering drawings and GD&T

Additional Requirements

Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Pay Range