Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Come lead advanced composite manufacturing at a fast-growing defense startup!

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed defense technology company is building next-generation composite manufacturing systems to support high-volume production for critical national security applications. Their proprietary processes enable complex, high-strength parts to be produced faster and more efficiently than traditional fabrication methods, helping strengthen domestic manufacturing capability. This is a rare opportunity for a senior manufacturing leader to own the scale-up of composite production lines, drive operational excellence, and shape the future of advanced manufacturing in a mission-driven environment. If you thrive in hands-on leadership roles and enjoy taking products from pilot to production, this role offers both technical challenge and long-term growth.

About Us

We are a fast-moving defense-focused startup developing innovative manufacturing processes for advanced composite structures used in demanding operational environments. Our work supports critical government and defense programs, with a strong emphasis on reshoring manufacturing, improving production speed, and delivering reliable, high-performance components at scale. Our team is made up of experienced engineers and operators who value execution, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Job Duties

• Lead the design, build, and deployment of composite manufacturing lines from pilot to higher-rate production
• Establish stable, repeatable processes to achieve consistent yield, quality, and cycle time performance
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, routings, and production documentation
• Specify tooling, fixtures, and process parameters to support efficient manufacturing
• Drive line optimization efforts including takt balancing, changeover reduction, and throughput improvements
• Track production metrics and implement corrective actions when performance deviates from targets
• Partner with quality, machining, and automation teams to improve reliability and reduce scrap
• Support production line ramp-ups at internal and external facilities as needed
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving tools
• Mentor and guide technicians and junior engineers on the manufacturing floor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related engineering field
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or production scale-up
• Proven experience optimizing production lines for yield, reliability, and efficiency
• Background in bringing products from early production into higher-volume manufacturing
• Strong experience creating work instructions and maintaining production documentation
• Familiarity with SPC, first article inspections, FMEA, and root cause analysis methods
• Experience implementing 5S or similar workplace organization systems
• Ability to support production line launches across multiple U.S. locations
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environments

Preferred Experience

• Composite materials manufacturing and process development
• CNC or manual machining experience
• Process engineering in molding or advanced fabrication environments
• Experience specifying custom tooling and fixtures
• Working with external suppliers or in-house machine shops
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems

Why Join Us

• Play a key leadership role in scaling advanced manufacturing operations
• Work on mission-critical programs that support national defense
• Opportunity to influence long-term production strategy and process design
• Join a growing company with strong technical leadership
• High-impact role with real ownership and responsibility
• Stock options
• Paid time off
• 401k with employer matching up to 4 percent
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Compensation Details

$140,000 - $200,000

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