R&D Manufacturing Engineering Lead

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive the next generation of composite manufacturing capability at BETA. This high-impact role will identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies that expand what our composites shop can produce — increasing capacity, enabling new product forms, and delivering step-change cost reductions. This leader will build and manage a team of manufacturing engineers while serving as the bridge between manufacturing and design, embedding early in the design process and developing authoritative design guides that shape future programs from day one. The ideal candidate balances hands-on technical depth in composite manufacturing with strategic vision and has the leadership skills to get us there.How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies (AFP, RTM, ATL, in-situ consolidation, etc.) to expand capability and reduce costLead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demandsDevelop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practicesPartner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting formal manufacturability reviews at key milestonesAdvance composite manufacturing methods (layup, resin infusion, autoclave, filament winding) from R&D validation through production-ready scale-upApply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle timeRecruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineersUse DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisionsTroubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actionsCreate work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale-upMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process developmentProficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.)Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven resultsProven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturingDeep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principlesProficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack-upsDemonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teamsExperience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), statistical analysis (Minitab), and ERP/MES systemsFamiliarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and aerospace quality systemsAbove and Beyond Qualifications:Prior experience in composite structures for aerospace, eVTOL, or electric aircraft environmentsAdvanced degree (Master's) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related fieldExperience with aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP certification)Track record of step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, or costExperience with manufacturing facility planning, greenfield/brownfield expansion, and equipment commissioningExperience developing and publishing DFM handbooks or design guides for engineering organizationsThe wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.Compensation$125,000—$160,000 USDBuild electric airplanes with us!BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.