Lead Manufacturing Engineer, DFMA - Avionics Huntington Beach, California, United States

Lead Manufacturing Engineer, DFMA - Avionics

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 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.

The Role

Great hardware balances performance, manufacturability and serviceability. Mach is building unmanned defense systems at a rate the traditional defense industrial base was never designed for. That takes designs that are built to be built: fast, right the first time, at the lowest cost, and easy to maintain in the field.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role with direct reports. As Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Avionics, you'll be Mach's go-to expert on designing electronics, harnesses and avionics boxes so they can be built, tested, installed and maintained quickly and without errors. You'll write Mach's Avionics DFMA guide. You'll push the field forward through research and development (R&D) on new materials, hardware and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Own the Avionics DFMA guide

• Write, publish and maintain Mach's Avionics DFMA guide. It should cover:
  • design rules, with the reasoning and test data behind them
  • preferred components, connectors, wire and processes
  • standard features and tolerances
  • worked examples and review checklists
• Write design-for-manufacturing, assembly and test rules (DFM, DFA, DFT) for PCBAs, wire harnesses, connectors and avionics enclosures (box build).
• Set connector retention and mate-assurance standards:
  • two-stage connector position assurance (CPA) clips that ship pre-staged
  • terminal position assurance (TPA) locks to confirm every terminal is fully seated
  • audible, tactile and visual full-mate indicators, such as color-coded CPAs
  • limits on mating and CPA engagement force (for example, per SAE/USCAR-25)
• Define how each connection is checked at the station: push-pull-push checks, CPA position checks by vision, and electrical continuity or mate-detect tests.
• Define the DFMA sign-off criteria for design gates and hold programs to them.
• Set and track DFMA metrics for each program, such as part count, unique connector count, assembly and test time, first-pass yield and cost.
• Keep the guide current with test results, production lessons and supplier input. Train design and manufacturing engineers to apply it.
• Review vehicle and electrical architecture at concept, before designs lock: box placement, harness layout and connector strategy.
• Lead static and kinematic assembly studies (virtual builds) before hardware exists. Check harness routing, install paths, and hand and tool access to mate each connector and seat its CPA. Set harness routing, retention and installation rules.
• Drive content reduction (fewer connectors, wires and boards), simpler assembly, build-in-quality and ergonomic access. Push for features that suit automation.
• Define avionics poka-yoke standards, for example:
  • connector keying and clocking
  • a unique connector per interface
  • two-stage CPA clips and TPA locks
  • blind-mate or tool-less installation
• Lead value engineering on released designs: challenge assumptions and take out cost.

Enable trade studies and make vs. buy

• Build should-cost, cycle-time and rate models that show how design choices affect cost, capital investment, schedule and quality.
• Write the manufacturing requirements in RFQ packages for contract manufacturers and help evaluate supplier quotes.

Lead R&D

• Lead R&D on automated harness fabrication, flex and rigid-flex circuits that replace harnesses, simpler interconnects, and faster-curing potting and coatings.
• Develop connector and CPA designs that confirm a full mate automatically, through vision or electrical mate detection.
• Plan and run designed experiments (DOE). Build test articles, test to failure, analyze results with sound statistics, and publish findings.
• Co-develop new components, processes and equipment with suppliers, contract manufacturers, equipment makers, universities and national labs.
• Lead manufacturing trials during prototype / validation builds to prove new processes.

Support production and suppliers

• Assess contract manufacturers, harness shops and connector suppliers on site, and push them toward best practices and lower investment.
• Work with connector suppliers on CPA and TPA design and qualification.
• Bring avionics expertise to design and process FMEAs (DFMEAs and PFMEAs). Maintain a library of known failure modes and proven controls.
• Lead root cause analysis on escapes and repeat defects, e.g. partially mated connectors, solder defects, miswires / connector damage. Feed fixes into the guide.
• Mentor engineers and help build Mach's DFMA function.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8+ years in avionics, PCBA or harness manufacturing or design engineering. This includes taking hardware from design into production at rate in aerospace, defense, automotive or consumer electronics.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.
• Experience with SMT processes, box build and electrical test.
• A track record of writing design standards, guides, process specs.
• Strong manufacturing and industrial engineering fundamentals: cycle time analysis, OEE, process capability (Cp/Cpk), gauge R&R, DOE, error proofing, ergonomics and ROI.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-ups.
• Skilled in 3D CAD (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks or similar) and comfortable in ECAD tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of automotive connector standards (for example, SAE/USCAR-2 and USCAR-25) and MIL-spec connectors (for example, MIL-DTL-38999).
• Experience with automotive high-volume harness and connector systems.
• Experience ruggedizing defense electronics (MIL-STD-810, shock and vibration).
• IPC CIS or CIT certification
• Experience with both high-rate automotive or consumer electronics production
• Formal DFMA methods (for example, Boothroyd Dewhurst), should-cost modeling, and value engineering programs with measured savings.
• Experience leading DFMEAs and PFMEAs.
• Patents, publications, or processes you developed and put into production.
• Experience in an AS9100 or defense production environment.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

$140,000 - $180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

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.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

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, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!