Lead Build Engineer, Composites

About the role

We are building the industrial base required to deter adversaries and win the next generation of conflict. That starts with factories capable of producing advanced composite structures at unprecedented scale, speed, and quality. As a Lead Build Engineer (Composites), you will own the integration, build, and test of composite structures and assemblies, from early prototypes through production ramp. You will operate at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and test, ensuring that what we design can be built reliably, repeatedly, and at rate. This is not a coordination role. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, driving hardware to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on build of composite structures (airframes, tanks, ducts, control surfaces, etc.)
• Drive daily execution against build schedules by removing blockers, re-sequencing work, and maintaining momentum
• Translate engineering intent into executable builds under real-world constraints
• Define and execute bonding, fastening, trimming, and finishing operations
• Lead fit-up, alignment, and tolerance closure across multi-part assemblies
• Develop and refine composite processes including:
• Layup (manual and automated)
• Cure cycles (oven/autoclave)
• Trimming, machining, and secondary bonding
• Rapidly iterate processes from prototype to repeatable mass production
• Identify design issues early (ply drops, access constraints, tolerance stackups, cure
• distortion)
• Partner with design engineering to simplify builds and improve yield
• Push for designs that enable rate, cost efficiency, and reliability
• Plan and execute structural and functional tests of composite assemblies
• Own failure investigations (bond failures, delamination, voids, distortion)
• Implement corrective actions quickly and permanently
• Define:
• Build sequences
• Tooling requirements
• Work instructions (at appropriate execution tier)
• Support line bring-up and operator training
• Be the first responder to build issues on the floor
• Required Qualifications
• Bachelorʼs degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with composite structures in aerospace, defense, or
• high-performance automotive
• Demonstrated experience building real hardware (not just designing)

Requirements

• Deep experience with one or more:
• Prepreg layup & oven/autoclave cure
• Resin infusion / RTM
• Filament winding
• Strong understanding of:
• Composite failure modes (delamination, porosity, fiber misalignment)
• Tooling design and cure behavior
• Adhesives and bonded joint design
• Experience scaling from prototype to production
• Familiarity with:
• NDI methods (ultrasound, CT, thermography)
• CNC trimming of composites
• Ply cutting, kitting, and material handling systems
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Ply books
• Laminate schedules
• Engineering drawings and GD&T
• Disclosures
• Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, s

Benefits

Additional Information

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms . At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees , we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

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