Manufacturing Engineer II

About Us We are a small, fast-moving team building next-generation jet engines for aerospace and defense. Backed by leading investors and led by proven founders, we’re assembling a high-performance team to reinvent propulsion from the ground up. This is a rare chance to create genuinely new technology and to watch it go from a sketch on your screen to hardware that actually enters service. We design it, analyze it, build it, and test it, often in the same week. Manufacturing Engineer II About the Role We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II to take full ownership of production processes across assigned components and assemblies — from first article through sustained rate. You will own your processes, tooling, and yield, and you will drive every problem you encounter to a permanent solution. This is a turbomachinery environment. Precision and process discipline are non-negotiable. We value engineers who deliver hardware over those who manage paperwork. Responsibilities End-to-end manufacturing process ownership for assigned components and assemblies — machining, additive, sheet metal, brazing, welding, balancing, assembly, and test Process development, validation (PFMEA, PPAP, first article inspection), and continuous improvement to hit cost, quality, and rate targets Tooling, fixture, and gauging design or specification, working with internal teams and outside vendors Root cause analysis and permanent corrective action when things go wrong — you don't pass scrap or rework to the next station Design for manufacturability feedback to engineering: early, direct, and backed by data Ownership of yield, cycle time, scrap rate, and capacity metrics for your area Work instructions, routings, control plans, and training materials that a new operator can follow without interpretation Supplier and sub-tier process qualification when work moves outside our walls Compliance with applicable standards (AS9100, ITAR/EAR) and internal quality systems Qualifications B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering — or a Master's degree with relevant focus 2+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience on a real production floor Working knowledge of gas turbine–relevant processes: precision machining, EDM, additive manufacturing (DMLS/LPBF), sheet metal forming, brazing, TIG/EB/laser welding, heat treatment, coatings, and rotor balancing — depth in some, willingness to learn the rest Strong grasp of GD&T, metrology, stack-up tolerancing, and statistical process control Familiarity with lean manufacturing and structured problem solving (8D, A3, DMAIC) — demonstrated results matter more than certifications Comfortable with CAD and PLM systems; able to read and push back intelligently on design drawings Clear written and verbal communication — you will write instructions non-engineers rely on, and brief leadership on problems they don't want to hear about Experience in aerospace or other regulated manufacturing environments a plus (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, DoD) You'll thrive here if you: Own problems the moment you see them — and drive them to resolution regardless of whose area they touch Lead by example at every level, and check your ego at the door — the best idea wins, full stop Can prioritize ruthlessly when the list is longer than the day Believe that discipline and rigor are what create the freedom to move fast — not obstacles to it Joining a company this early is not for everyone — and the people who do their best work here tend to know exactly why they want it. What makes it exceptional: you won't be maintaining someone else's legacy. You'll help define the architecture from first principles, follow your work all the way to fielded hardware. You will operate with almost no layers between an idea and a decision. Real breadth, real ownership, real stakes. What's genuinely hard: ambiguity is the default, the intensity is real, and it carries startup risk. You'll often build the process before you can build the thing. Priorities shift as we learn. If that tradeoff sounds like exactly what you've been looking for, we want to hear from you. Compensation & Benefits 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 full-time offers. We offer comprehensive benefits for full-time employees, including: Premium Healthcare Coverage: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents Complete Protection: Full company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage Flexible Time Off: Open PTO policy plus 13 paid company holidays Family Support: 8 weeks of paid parental leave and comprehensive leave options Wellness Resources: Access to mental health services, Employee Assistance Program, and financial coaching Pre-Tax Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and commuter benefits Professional Growth: Development opportunities including mentorship and skill development Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with company matching The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. Equal Opportunity Employment We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We foster a culture of ownership, initiative, inclusion, and mutual respect. 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. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to apply. If you're passionate about revolutionizing aerospace propulsion, we'd love to hear from you. Security & Export Control 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. We participate 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.