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.

We are seeking a Battery Manufacturing Engineering Lead to drive our team in scaling production, improving efficiency, and reducing costs for our battery manufacturing line. This role will drive continuous improvement across all areas of the business while ensuring seamless integration of new products into production. Improvements should come not just from the manufacturing line, but from integrating ideas for Design For Manufacturability (DFM) to the product design team and providing manufacturability inputs as a key stakeholder in design reviews. The ideal candidate will drive the improvements in quality, cycle time, capacity and manufacturing costs of current builds while planning for the future with increased production rates.

This leader will have a strong Lean Manufacturing background, balancing immediate problem-solving with long-term planning. They will mentor, develop, and manage a team of manufacturing engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence.

This is a high-impact role with the opportunity to shape the future of battery production for electric aviation, enabling higher-rate, lower-cost, and more efficient manufacturing as we scale.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

• Lead the implementation of new products into production (NPI) while optimizing existing processes.
• Evaluate, improve, and advance existing and new novel manufacturing processes.
• Develop and execute scalable manufacturing strategies to meet increasing production demands.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and streamline operations.
• Work cross-functionally with program management, design, supply chain, quality, and automation teams to optimize manufacturing.
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers, providing guidance and professional development.
• Ensure processes comply with FAA Part 21 production requirements through virtual builds and real life demonstrations.
• Own the creation of capacity planning, process capability studies, and improvement plans.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and changes meet design, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with R&D engineers, tooling design engineers, and manufacturing teams to develop, implement, and validate products (DFM/DFA), processes and process improvements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or high-rate production.
• Strong background in New Product Introduction (NPI), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization.
• Expertise in DFX, Design for Manufacturability, Design for Assembly, Design to Cost.
• Proficiency in one or more manufacturing methods, automation, assembly, electronics, machining, forming, plastics, etc.
• Experience in scaling production, integrating new products, and driving cost reduction.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing, mentoring, and developing engineering teams.
• Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), measurement systems analysis (MSA), and root cause analysis (RCA).
• Knowledge of automation, digital manufacturing, and advanced production technologies.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and quality systems is a plus.
• Strong ability to write detailed technical reports and communicate findings effectively.
• Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and metrology tools for precision manufacturing.
• Takes initiative in identifying and resolving process validation challenges.
• Data-driven decision maker, using analytics to guide process improvements.
• Familiarity with software tools such as Catia, Solidworks, Minitab, and ERP/MES systems.

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

• Prior experience in battery manufacturing, EVTOL, aerospace, or electric aircraft startup environment.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strategic and hands-on leader, balancing immediate execution with future scalability.
• Innovative problem solver, driving step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborative and cross-functional, working across teams to align on operational goals.
• Mentor and team builder, developing a high-performing engineering team.
• Experience with FAA conformity, AS9100, and regulatory compliance in an aerospace manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to be active on their feet for a full 8-hour shift.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to be in front of a computer for at least several hours.

The 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

$135,000-$165,000 USD

Build 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.