Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Defense-Tech Composites

Company: Approach Venture
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Join a High-Growth Defense Startup Revolutionizing Composite Production! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary A rapidly scaling seed-stage defense technology startup is searching for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to take the lead in building, optimizing, and scaling production lines for next-generation composite systems. With active defense contracts already underway, this team is growing quickly and needs an engineer capable of driving rate-ready manufacturing, improving yields, and standing up processes that can scale from prototype to full production. In this role, you will be hands-on with production systems, tooling, work instructions, materials flow, automation collaboration, and quality-focused workflows. If you excel in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges, and want to help shape the future of U.S. defense manufacturing, this opportunity offers significant ownership and career growth. About Us We are a seed-stage defense engineering startup pioneering advanced composite manufacturing methods that dramatically increase throughput, improve structural performance, and reduce production cost. By combining novel process technology with high-speed manufacturing principles, we support mission-critical programs across the national security landscape. Our team values ingenuity, rapid iteration, and an execution-focused mindset as we expand our production capabilities to meet strong and growing demand. Job Duties Develop, build, and optimize composite production lines from pilot to higher-volume manufacturing with stable yields. Create, maintain, and improve manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, routings, travelers, and traceability processes. Lead line setup activities such as takt time refinement, line balancing, station layout, and changeover reduction. Support prototype builds and guide products through scaling phases into mass production. Define tooling, fixtures, inspection procedures, jigs, and set parameters for repeatable production quality. Collaborate closely with quality, machining, automation, and operations teams to ensure consistent output and high product reliability. Conduct SPC analysis, PFMEA, root cause investigations, and first article evaluations to drive corrective actions. Manage MRB or BCN activities and maintain strong production documentation hygiene. Track rate, scrap, cycle time, and throughput metrics while identifying improvement opportunities. Travel within the continental United States as needed for production line bring-up or supplier support. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 5 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience. Hands-on experience building, optimizing, or scaling production lines, especially in high-reliability or advanced fabrication environments. Strong proficiency defining work instructions, documenting processes, and maintaining traceability systems. Experience supporting products from early development through full-rate production. Familiarity with process improvement tools such as 5S, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause methodologies. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including quality, machining, automation, and supply chain. Comfortable working in fast-paced startup environments where priorities evolve. Preferred Experience Background in composite manufacturing or composite design for production. CNC or manual machining exposure. Experience with process design or molding environments. Ability to specify fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids while working with vendors or internal teams. Familiarity with ISO 9001 environments or audit preparation. Growth Opportunities Define process control plans, production dashboards, and data collection systems. Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on automation, quality, and reductions in cycle time and scrap. Establish supplier networks and external production workflows that scale with demand. Evaluate and qualify suppliers based on capability, quality, cost, and delivery performance. Manage and mentor a team of technicians as the manufacturing department grows. Why Join Us High-impact role at a seed-stage defense startup with real traction and active government programs. Opportunity to build manufacturing processes from the ground up with significant ownership. Fast career mobility as the company expands production capabilities. 401(k) with employer match. Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Equity participation in a rapidly growing hardware company. Compensation Details $120,000 - $180,000 LI-AV

Keywords: Approach Venture, Bell Gardens , Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Defense-Tech Composites, Engineering , El Segundo, California