Mechanical Engineer, Composite Structures & Manufacturing

Location: Victorville, California, United States. The role requires eligibility under ITAR export regulations and authorization to work in the U.S.

Salary: $105,000–$180,000 USD per year, base salary.

Company

Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology startup founded in 2023 that develops autonomous defense platforms and scalable manufacturing systems.

What you will do

• Design and develop composite structures and components for autonomous defense vehicles.
• Perform laminate design, hand calculations, and structural performance analysis using FEA.
• Design for manufacturability, repeatability, and production scale.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams on fabrication methods, tooling, and process documentation.
• Provide hands-on support for prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, and bonded assemblies.
• Support validation testing, compare results with analysis, and iterate designs and processes.

Requirements

• 2–3 years of experience designing, analyzing, or building composite structures.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with NX or similar CAD software.
• Familiarity with FEA using ANSYS or an equivalent tool.
• Hands-on composite fabrication experience, including prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, or bonded assemblies.
• Experience supporting composite hardware through design, fabrication, or testing.
• Interest in designing for manufacturability and repeatable production.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under ITAR regulations.
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite structures for aerospace or UAV applications.
• Exposure to composite tooling, process development, or production quality.
• Experience comparing structural analysis with physical test results.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup environment focused on rapid innovation, national security, and next-generation autonomous defense systems.
• Healthcare, dental, and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Employment is subject to U.S. export-control authorization where applicable; Mach participates in E-Verify.