Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Energetics

Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Energetics 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 Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Energetics to lead the development and industrialization of manufacturing systems for solid rocket motors (SRMs), pyrotechnics, and energetic products. This role will have end-to-end technical ownership of energetic manufacturing capability, from early manufacturing concepts and process architecture through facility buildout, equipment integration, commissioning, qualification, and production launch. You will define how energetic products are manufactured at scale: translating product and process requirements into manufacturing cells, production lines, hazardous-process facilities, equipment specifications, controls architectures, material flows, and commissioning plans. This is a highly cross-functional role requiring coordination across product engineering, manufacturing, automation, facilities, EHS, quality, operations, external A/E firms, equipment OEMs, and systems integrators. The ideal candidate has personally taken complex manufacturing systems from concept through production and is comfortable operating as the technical DRI for large, multidisciplinary capital projects. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing System & Line Design Own the manufacturing architecture for solid rocket motor, pyrotechnic, and other energetic production lines from raw material receipt through finished-product acceptance. Translate product requirements and production targets into manufacturing processes, equipment requirements, cycle times, staffing models, material flows, and factory layouts. Develop process flows, equipment concepts, line balancing, capacity models, manufacturing requirements, and capital equipment roadmaps. Establish equipment boundaries, interfaces, utilities, controls requirements, inspection strategy, and material-handling concepts. Lead design reviews including process, equipment, layout, automation, operability, maintainability, and production-readiness reviews. Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and develop scalable production architectures capable of supporting significant rate increases. Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback into product development. Energetics Process Industrialization Industrialize manufacturing processes associated with solid rocket motors and pyrotechnic products, including energetic material preparation, mixing, casting/dispensing, curing, machining, assembly, inspection, testing, and material handling. Translate development processes into robust, repeatable production processes with defined operating windows and acceptance criteria. Develop process specifications, manufacturing requirements, equipment URS documents, control plans, and qualification strategies. Partner with EHS and process safety teams to incorporate energetic-material hazards into equipment and process design. Drive reductions in operator exposure and manual handling through appropriate automation, remote operation, process isolation, and engineered controls. Facility & Infrastructure Buildout Serve as the manufacturing technical owner for new energetic production facilities and major facility expansions. Translate manufacturing processes into facility requirements including equipment layouts, utilities, hazardous-area requirements, material flows, personnel flows, storage requirements, and operational constraints. Work directly with architects, A/E firms, general contractors, EHS, authorities having jurisdiction, and equipment integrators throughout facility design and construction. Participate in concept design, basis-of-design development, FEED, detailed design, construction, installation, and startup. Ensure facility design supports production throughput, equipment maintainability, future expansion, safe operations, and efficient material movement. Own manufacturing requirements and interfaces between the facility, process equipment, automation systems, utilities, and production operations. Capital Equipment & Integration Develop technical specifications and requirements for custom and off-the-shelf manufacturing equipment. Lead equipment vendor and systems-integrator selection from technical evaluation through execution. Own technical execution of major manufacturing equipment programs including design reviews, fabrication, integration, installation, and acceptance. Work with automation engineers and integrators to define controls, robotics, machine vision, data acquisition, traceability, and manufacturing software requirements. Review and approve equipment designs for process capability, safety, serviceability, controls architecture, and production readiness. Manage technical interfaces across multiple equipment suppliers and integrators to ensure individual systems function as a complete manufacturing line. Commissioning & Production Launch Own manufacturing equipment commissioning and line startup from installation through production release. Develop and execute equipment acceptance and commissioning strategies including FAT, SAT, commissioning, process qualification, and production-readiness activities. Lead equipment debugging, process characterization, capability studies, and production trials. Establish equipment and process acceptance criteria and drive closure of technical issues identified during commissioning. Partner with Quality to establish inspection strategies, process controls, traceability, and manufacturing acceptance criteria. Drive production ramp by identifying and eliminating constraints related to equipment reliability, cycle time, yield, scrap, ergonomics, and process capability. Transition manufacturing systems to site operations and maintenance teams with appropriate documentation, training, spare-parts strategies, and sustainment plans. Technical Leadership Act as a senior technical authority for energetic manufacturing systems across Mach Industries. Lead multidisciplinary technical decisions spanning manufacturing, automation, facilities, process safety, quality, and operations. Develop manufacturing standards and reusable architectures for future energetic production facilities. Mentor manufacturing and automation engineers and raise the technical standard for capital equipment execution across the organization. Independently identify technical and program risks and drive them to resolution. Communicate manufacturing strategy, technical tradeoffs, capital requirements, schedule risks, and execution status to engineering and company leadership. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, industrialization, factory engineering, or capital equipment development. Demonstrated ownership of complex manufacturing equipment or production lines from concept through installation, commissioning, and production. Experience developing manufacturing processes and translating them into equipment and facility requirements. Experience specifying, procuring, integrating, and commissioning capital equipment. Experience working with equipment OEMs, systems integrators, construction teams, and/or A/E firms. Strong understanding of manufacturing fundamentals including process capability, line balancing, equipment reliability, yield, throughput, and production ramp. Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs across multiple engineering disciplines with limited oversight. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience designing, building, commissioning, or operating solid rocket motor, propellant, pyrotechnic, ammunition, warhead, or other energetic-material manufacturing facilities. Experience with energetic processes such as material preparation, mixing, casting, dispensing, curing, machining, assembly, inspection, and testing. Experience taking an energetic manufacturing process from development or pilot scale into rate production. Experience with hazardous-process facility design and manufacturing equipment intended for explosive or energetic environments. Working knowledge of applicable explosives, fire protection, electrical, process safety, and DoD energetic-manufacturing requirements. Experience working with A/E and EPC organizations on greenfield or brownfield manufacturing facility projects. Experience developing equipment URS documents, RFQs/RFPs, statements of work, acceptance criteria, and capital project specifications. Experience executing FAT, SAT, commissioning, process qualification, and production acceptance. Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, PLC-controlled systems, robotics, machine vision, and manufacturing data systems. Experience building production systems within aerospace, defense, propulsion, munitions, automotive, semiconductor, chemical processing, or similarly demanding manufacturing environments. 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 . $180,000 - $220,000 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! #J-18808-Ljbffr