Manufacturing Engineer, Vehicle Assembly (Defense)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States. Onsite manufacturing role with extended hours and weekends as needed. U.S. work authorization and ITAR eligibility are required.

Salary: $105,000–$140,000 USD for Engineer; $140,000–$180,000 USD for Senior Engineer.

Company

hirify.global is a rapidly growing defense technology startup developing autonomous defense platforms and decentralized defense systems.

What you will do

• Own launch readiness for assigned vehicle assembly stations or line sections from late-stage prototypes through full-rate production.
• Develop assembly sequences, station content, line balance, cycle-time targets, fixtures, tooling, conveyance, and automated cell requirements.
• Review parts and assemblies for manufacturability, tolerance concerns, assembly access, error-proofing, and reduced part count.
• Coordinate with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Packaging Engineering, Material Flow, Automation and Equipment Engineering, Quality, and Factory Design.
• Support prototype builds, manufacturing trials, equipment acceptance testing, technician training, and daily floor support during ramp.
• Improve quality and throughput using first-pass yield, OEE, cycle-time tracking, SPC, PFMEA, 8D, DMAIC, and 5 Whys.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial and Systems, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Manufacturing Engineer: 0–4 years of relevant experience; Senior Manufacturing Engineer: 5+ years, including at least one production launch.
• Experience with assembly process design, cycle-time analysis, line balancing, ergonomics, error-proofing, tools, fixtures, or shop-floor equipment.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, process capability, PFMEA, SPC, and structured problem-solving.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD such as Siemens NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet ITAR eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship or national status, permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or required government authorization.

Nice to have

• High-rate automotive, aerospace, or defense assembly experience.
• New product launch, production ramp, conveyance, automated assembly cell, controls, or MES experience.
• Experience with Heliux, DELMIA, EasyPlan, AutoCAD, Simio, or Simul8.
• PMTS methods, NIOSH ergonomic standards, Lean Six Sigma, or ITAR-controlled environment experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup environment focused on rapid manufacturing innovation and national security.
• Performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Healthcare, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Transparent compensation tiers and career growth opportunities.