Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Test Huntington Beach, California, United States

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

As Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Test, you will be the technical owner of production testing across all products and subsystems. This scope includes PCB flashing and configuration, component and subassembly test, end-of-line (EOL) system functional test, and final acceptance. You will define what gets tested, where, and how. You will design, source, and launch the stations, fixtures, software, and data flows that make it work at rate. You will work across Product Engineering, Firmware, Manufacturing Engineering, Controls, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations so that design intent becomes repeatable, high-coverage, data-rich production testing.

This is a hands-on technical role with direct reports. You will set the technical direction for your test area and guide the engineers, technicians, and integrators working on it. You will also be on the floor bringing up stations, debugging failures, and keeping hardware moving.

Key Responsibilities

• Own production test strategy and execution for assigned products and subsystems, from incoming and component test through subassembly test, EOL functional test, rework and retest, and final acceptance.
• Turn product requirements, design intent, and DFMEA/PFMEA risks into test requirements, coverage maps, test limits, and pass/fail criteria.
• Author and own the Design for Test (DFT) section of the Manufacturing Engineering DFM/A Guide. Write guidelines for test access and test points, programming and debug access, connector and harness access, built-in self-test and diagnostics, calibration provisions, and serialization and traceability. Keep the section current as products and test methods change, and use it in design reviews so Product Engineering designs for testability from the start.
• Own the PCB flashing strategy. Decide where in the build flow boards and modules get programmed (at the supplier, at board-level test, or at system integration). Select programming methods and equipment, such as JTAG/SWD, bootloader over USB, CAN, or serial, and gang programmers, based on cycle time, cost, and rate.
• Develop and launch production flashing stations and processes. Partner with Firmware Engineering to release production firmware images under configuration control. Own image versioning, checksum and readback verification, unit-specific configuration (serial numbers, calibration data, and keys or secure provisioning), and re-flash processes for engineering changes and rework.
• Develop, validate, and launch production test stations and fixtures, such as:
  • Avionics and PCBA functional test
  • Wire harness continuity and hipot test
  • Leak and pressure decay test profiles for fuel, pneumatic, and sealed assemblies
  • Turbojet engine acceptance testing
  • RF, datalink, and GPS checkout
  • Sensor and IMU calibration
  • Control surface and actuator verification
  • Full-system EOL functional test
• Design or specify test fixtures and interfaces in 3D CAD. Develop or review test station electrical schematics and integrator designs.
• Write equipment and process specifications, assess vendor and integrator capabilities, and make data-driven sourcing and make-vs-buy recommendations.
• Lead vendors and integrators through design reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and commissioning.
• Validate test systems before release using MSA/Gage R&R, golden-unit and limit-sample correlation, and guardband analysis.
• Run Designs of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize test methods, improve detection sensitivity, and reduce cycle time without losing coverage.
• Drive test readiness for new product introductions, design changes, and line bring-ups, including validation plans, cutover plans, and issue containment.
• Improve the failure feedback loop: fault isolation, diagnostic coverage, troubleshooting guides, retest logic, and fast feedback to design, suppliers, and process owners.
• Define test and programming requirements for suppliers and support customer and government acceptance activities, including Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) and first article testing.
• Act as technical lead on test projects. Guide and review the work of engineers, technicians, and integrators, and mentor junior engineers.
• Support operations with training, documentation, and work instructions, and be the first responder to test station and test failure issues on the floor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing test, test engineering, or production validation in aerospace, automotive, electronics, or comparable complex hardware environment
• Demonstrated experience taking production test systems from concept through FAT/SAT, launch, and rate production
• Experience implementing production PCB flashing and configuration for embedded electronics, including firmware image control and programming verification
• Proficiency in at least one test development environment, such as Python, LabVIEW/TestStand, or C#
• 3D CAD experience for fixture and test interface design (Siemens NX preferred)
• Strong understanding of test strategy, test coverage, limit setting, MSA/Gage R&R, and statistical data analysis
• Experience with structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why, fishbone, fault tree analysis)
• Experience writing equipment specifications and managing external vendors

Preferred Qualifications

• Production test experience in aerospace and defense, especially UAS, munitions, avionics, or propulsion
• Experience with production programming tools, such as SEGGER J-Link/Flasher, Data I/O, BPM Microsystems, or similar, and with programming through ICT or boundary scan
• Experience with secure provisioning and key injection, signed firmware, and protecting controlled firmware images on the factory floor
• Experience developing leak test profiles and methods (pressure decay, mass flow, helium/tracer gas)
• Experience with turbine, jet engine, or other propulsion acceptance testing
• Experience with PCBA and harness test methods: ICT, flying probe, boundary scan (JTAG), functional test, and automated harness testers (Cirris, DIT-MCO, or similar)
• Experience with vehicle and embedded communication protocols, such as CAN, RS-422/485, UART, SPI/I2C, Ethernet, or MAVLink
• Experience with RF test equipment and methods (VNA, spectrum analyzer, datalink and GNSS checkout)
• Experience with environmental stress screening, burn-in, or HALT/HASS
• Electrical design experience with tools such as EPLAN or similar
• Familiarity with AS9100, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461
• Lean or Six Sigma experience, with statistical tools such as Minitab or JMP
• Experience standing up new test capability in an early-stage or high-growth environment
• Active U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain one

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!