Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Composites Production

Position: Principal Manufacturing Engineer - High-Volume Composites Production Overview Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Come lead advanced composite manufacturing at a fast-growing defense startup! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary A venture-backed defense technology company is building next-generation composite manufacturing systems to support high-volume production for critical national security applications. Their proprietary processes enable complex, high-strength parts to be produced faster and more efficiently than traditional fabrication methods, helping strengthen domestic manufacturing capability. This is a rare opportunity for a senior manufacturing leader to own the scale-up of composite production lines, drive operational excellence, and shape the future of advanced manufacturing in a mission-driven environment. If you thrive in hands-on leadership roles and enjoy taking products from pilot to production, this role offers both technical challenge and long-term growth. About Us We are a fast-moving defense-focused startup developing innovative manufacturing processes for advanced composite structures used in demanding operational environments. Our work supports critical government and defense programs, with a strong emphasis on reshoring manufacturing, improving production speed, and delivering reliable, high-performance components team is made up of experienced engineers and operators who value execution, ownership, and continuous improvement. Job Duties • Lead the design, build, and deployment of composite manufacturing lines from pilot to higher-rate production • Establish stable, repeatable processes to achieve consistent yield, quality, and cycle time performance • Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, routings, and production documentation • Specify tooling, fixtures, and process parameters to support efficient manufacturing • Drive line optimization efforts including takt balancing, changeover reduction, and throughput improvements • Track production metrics and implement corrective actions when performance deviates from targets • Partner with quality, machining, and automation teams to improve reliability and reduce scrap • Support production line ramp-ups at internal and external facilities as needed • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving tools • Mentor and guide technicians and junior engineers on the manufacturing floor Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related engineering field • 4+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or production scale-up • Proven experience optimizing production lines for yield, reliability, and efficiency • Background in bringing products from early production into higher-volume manufacturing • Strong experience creating work instructions and maintaining production documentation • Familiarity with SPC, first article inspections, FMEA, and root cause analysis methods • Experience implementing 5S or similar workplace organization systems • Ability to support production line launches across multiple U.S. locations • Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environments Preferred Experience • Composite materials manufacturing and process development • CNC or manual machining experience • Process engineering in molding or advanced fabrication environments • Experience specifying custom tooling and fixtures • Working with external suppliers or in-house machine shops • Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems Why Join Us • Play a key leadership role in scaling advanced manufacturing operations • Work on mission-critical programs that support national defense • Opportunity to influence long-term production strategy and process design • Join a growing company with strong technical leadership • High-impact role with real ownership and responsibility • Stock options • Paid time off • 401k with employer matching up to 4 percent • Medical, dental, and vision coverage Compensation Details Compensation : $140,000 - $200,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr