Senior NPI Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Senior NPI Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace): Lead the development, validation, and industrialization of manufacturing processes for new UAV systems with an accent on Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT). Focus on owning NPI from early design phases through production ramp, optimizing for scalability, quality, cost, and seamless transitions from prototypes (EVT/DVT/PVT) to full-rate production.

Location: Onsite in Torrance, CA. Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (ITAR/EAR restrictions, no sponsorship). Manufacturing environment with physical demands (lifting up to 25 lbs).

Company

hirify.global develops UAV systems for the aerospace and defense sector.

What you will do

• Lead NPI efforts from concept through production ramp, including EVT, DVT, PVT, and LRIP phases.
• Drive DFM/DFA/DFT reviews with engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost.
• Develop, validate, and implement manufacturing processes, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and automation for UAV production.
• Serve as cross-functional manufacturing lead, aligning with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis, improve yield/throughput, and implement Lean principles like 5S and Kaizen.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, ITAR, and aerospace standards; perform capacity planning and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 7–12+ years in aerospace manufacturing engineering with NPI focus (UAV/defense preferred).
• Expertise in NPI processes (EVT/DVT/PVT/LRIP), DFM/DFA/DFT, and manufacturing methods (composites, machining, assembly).
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), process validation (PFMEA, SPC), and ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, cross-functional leadership, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and aerospace standards.

Nice to have

• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or PMP certification.
• Experience with full product lifecycle industrialization, automation, and Industry 4.0.
• Familiarity with AS9100, IPC, ISO9001, MIL-STD, FAA guidance.
• Proven product launches and team mentoring experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Base pay plus annual equity package and potential bonuses.
• Fast-paced, high-growth environment with cross-functional collaboration.
• Emphasis on technical leadership, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.