Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Manufacturing/Aerospace): Bridge design and production by optimizing designs for manufacturability and enhancing processes for high-reliability hardware with an accent on DFM, additive manufacturing, and process scalability. Focus on leading new product introductions through the factory, implementing automation, and ensuring compliance with AS9100 standards.

Location: Torrance, California, United States. Must be able to lawfully access information subject to US export controls.

Salary: $128,520 - $235,740 USD

Company

Technology company that has commercialized the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) to optimally engineer and manufacture complex vehicle structures.

What you will do

• Take end-to-end manufacturing ownership of multiple development and production products as the technical lead.
• Develop and refine scalable manufacturing processes to improve yield, cycle times, and first-pass quality.
• Lead new concepts through the factory, utilizing DFM strategies for rapid iteration and troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to streamline workflows and improve process repeatability.
• Maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation and ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards.
• Provide technical guidance to manufacturing staff and lead cross-functional product teams.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to US export controls.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Significant professional exposure to the aerospace or defense industries.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX, AutoCAD) and a strong understanding of GD&T.
• Experience with MES, PLM, and ERP systems, as well as advanced techniques like additive manufacturing and robotics.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent expertise in continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience working in a high-tech, fast-paced startup environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Holistic compensation including a competitive salary, equity plan, and results-based incentive bonuses.
• Wellness benefits: paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and a year-end shutdown.
• Comprehensive health coverage with HMO and Premium PPO options, plus life and disability insurance.
• Investment in growth via reimbursement for learning and professional development initiatives.
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on disrupting traditional manufacturing paradigms.