Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Laser Processes

About the role

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 Senior or Principal Manufacturing Engineer to own the development, qualification, and scaling of laser manufacturing processes across the company. This role spans laser cutting, welding, and part marking, along with evaluating new laser technologies that can improve how we manufacture hardware. Your initial scope will include TRUMPF part-marking cells, the TruLaser Cell 3000 for prototyping and process development, and the TruLaser Cell 7040 for production laser cutting and welding. You will own the complete manufacturing approach, including process development, programming, tooling, workholding, automation requirements, inspection, and production readiness. The 3000 and 7040 platforms both support cutting and welding, with capabilities dependent on their installed configurations. This is a hands-on engineering role. You will work directly with equipment, technicians, design engineers, Quality, and Automation to move from initial trials to dependable production. You will develop flexible processes that support high-mix, low-volume development work as well as repeatable, higher-rate manufacturing, and transfer validated processes from Huntington Beach into Mach’s production facilities Key Responsibilities Own laser cutting, welding, and marking process development from feasibility trials through qualification and sustained production. Develop programs, establish robust operating parameters, and troubleshoot process and equipment issues on the shop floor. Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability through material selection, joint design, dimensional requirements, process access, and assembly sequencing. Identify manufacturing risks early and recommend practical design changes. Design and qualify fixtures, workholding, and tooling that provide repeatable part location, control distortion, maintain process access, and support efficient loading and changeover. Define and deploy automation for mixed-product and mixed-rate production. Work with Controls, Robotics, and systems integrators on part presentation, robotic loading and unloading, quick-change tooling, recipe selection, part verification, and fault recovery. Lead equipment commissioning and production acceptance. Develop technical requirements, supplier scopes of work, and acceptance criteria; oversee factory and site acceptance testing; and demonstrate required quality and throughput across the intended product mix. Establish inspection methods and process controls with Quality, including weld qualification, cut-quality acceptance, marking verification, and process monitoring. Lead investigations into defects and implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Develop capacity and cycle-time models that account for loading, processing, inspection, changeovers, downtime, and staffing. Improve first-pass yield, equipment availability, throughput, and cost per part. Create and maintain controlled process packages, including programs, parameter sets, tooling drawings, setup instructions, inspection requirements, and operator training. Validate transferred processes at receiving facilities rather than relying on equipment settings alone. Work with factory software and automation teams to connect laser processes to manufacturing execution systems, including serialization, marking data, program revision control, and traceability of process and inspection results. Partner with EHS, Facilities, Maintenance, and equipment suppliers to establish safe operating methods, equipment safeguards, extraction and utility requirements, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures. Evaluate opportunities for laser-based additive manufacturing and other applications such as cleaning, surface texturing, and cladding. Lead feasibility studies and supplier trials, and recommend investments based on demonstrated technical capability and business value. Mentor engineers and technicians, establish reusable engineering standards, and build the team’s ability to develop, operate, and sustain laser processes without relying on a single expert. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials, welding, optical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. Five or more years of relevant manufacturing, applications, or laser process engineering experience for Senior consideration. Principal candidates should bring eight or more years of relevant experience and demonstrated technical leadership across complex manufacturing systems. Substantial hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting industrial laser cutting and welding processes, with the ability to take ownership of part-marking applications. Strong understanding of laser–material interactions, heat input, optical setup, shielding, joint fit-up, distortion, and process variation. Ability to explain process behavior and resolve problems using engineering fundamentals and experimental evidence. Experience taking manufacturing processes from development into production, including tooling, equipment integration, qualification, documentation, and operator training. Proficiency with engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD, and fixture design. Experience programming laser or multi-axis manufacturing equipment and working with automated production cells. Experience using structured experiments, inspection results, and production data to establish process capability and drive improvements in quality, throughput, and cost. Ability to lead technical decisions across engineering, production, Quality, and suppliers while remaining directly involved in equipment trials, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience with TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 3000, TruLaser Cell 7040, and TRUMPF marking systems , including relevant programming software, laser sources, processing optics, and vision-assisted functions. Familiarity with laser-based metal additive manufacturing, including laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and/or laser-based directed energy deposition (DED/LMD) , with an understanding of build preparation, material behavior, post-processing, inspection, and production economics. Experience with robotic laser processing, automated material handling, machine vision, in-process monitoring, and integration between manufacturing equipment and factory data systems. Experience processing aluminum, stainless steels, titanium, or nickel-based alloys in aerospace, automotive, medical, or other demanding manufacturing environments. Experience replicating qualified processes across equipment or facilities, developing company-wide manufacturing standards, and evaluating new technology or capital equipment investments. Additional Requirements Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed ITAR Requirements 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 . Senior Engineer $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. Data Privacy To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy . Disclosures 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!