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

Great hardware balances performance, manufacturability and serviceability. Mach is building unmanned defense systems at a rate the traditional defense industrial base was never designed for. That takes designs that are built to be built: fast, right the first time, at the lowest cost, and easy to maintain in the field.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role with direct reports. As Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Avionics, you'll be Mach's go-to expert on designing electronics, harnesses and avionics boxes so they can be built, tested, installed and maintained quickly and without errors. You'll write Mach's Avionics DFMA guide. You'll push the field forward through research and development (R&D) on new materials, hardware and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Own the Avionics DFMA guide

Write, publish and maintain Mach's Avionics DFMA guide. It should cover:
design rules, with the reasoning and test data behind them
preferred components, connectors, wire and processes
standard features and tolerances
worked examples and review checklists
Write design-for-manufacturing, assembly and test rules (DFM, DFA, DFT) for PCBAs, wire harnesses, connectors and avionics enclosures (box build).
Set connector retention and mate-assurance standards:
two-stage connector position assurance (CPA) clips that ship pre-staged
terminal position assurance (TPA) locks to confirm every terminal is fully seated
audible, tactile and visual full-mate indicators, such as color-coded CPAs
limits on mating and CPA engagement force (for example, per SAE/USCAR-25)
Define how each connection is checked at the station: push-pull-push checks, CPA position checks by vision, and electrical continuity or mate-detect tests.
Define the DFMA sign-off criteria for design gates and hold programs to them.
Set and track DFMA metrics for each program, such as part count, unique connector count, assembly and test time, first-pass yield and cost.
Keep the guide current with test results, production lessons and supplier input. Train design and manufacturing engineers to apply it.

Shape designs early

Review vehicle and electrical architecture at concept, before designs lock: box placement, harness layout and connector strategy.
Lead static and kinematic assembly studies (virtual builds) before hardware exists. Check harness routing, install paths, and hand and tool access to mate each connector and seat its CPA. Set harness routing, retention and installation rules.
Drive content reduction (fewer connectors, wires and boards), simpler assembly, build-in-quality and ergonomic access. Push for features that suit automation.
Define avionics poka-yoke standards, for example:
connector keying and clocking
a unique connector per interface
two-stage CPA clips and TPA locks
blind-mate or tool-less installation
Lead value engineering on released designs: challenge assumptions and take out cost.

Enable trade studies and make vs. buy

Build should-cost, cycle-time and rate models that show how design choices affect cost, capital investment, schedule and quality.
Write the manufacturing requirements in RFQ packages for contract manufacturers and help evaluate supplier quotes.

Lead R&D

Lead R&D on automated harness fabrication, flex and rigid-flex circuits that replace harnesses, simpler interconnects, and faster-curing potting and coatings.