Approach Venture · 1 week ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Defense-Tech Composites
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $180K/yr
5+ years expApproach Venture is a rapidly scaling seed-stage defense technology startup pioneering advanced composite manufacturing methods. They are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and optimization of production lines for next-generation composite systems, ensuring high-quality and efficient manufacturing processes.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Develop, build, and optimize composite production lines from pilot to higher-volume manufacturing with stable yields
Create, maintain, and improve manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, routings, travelers, and traceability processes
Lead line setup activities such as takt time refinement, line balancing, station layout, and changeover reduction
Support prototype builds and guide products through scaling phases into mass production
Define tooling, fixtures, inspection procedures, jigs, and set parameters for repeatable production quality
Collaborate closely with quality, machining, automation, and operations teams to ensure consistent output and high product reliability
Conduct SPC analysis, PFMEA, root cause investigations, and first article evaluations to drive corrective actions
Manage MRB or BCN activities and maintain strong production documentation hygiene
Track rate, scrap, cycle time, and throughput metrics while identifying improvement opportunities
Travel within the continental United States as needed for production line bring-up or supplier support
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
5+ years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience
Hands-on experience building, optimizing, or scaling production lines, especially in high-reliability or advanced fabrication environments
Strong proficiency defining work instructions, documenting processes, and maintaining traceability systems
Experience supporting products from early development through full-rate production
Familiarity with process improvement tools such as 5S, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause methodologies
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including quality, machining, automation, and supply chain
Comfortable working in fast-paced startup environments where priorities evolve
Preferred
Background in composite manufacturing or composite design for production
CNC or manual machining exposure
Experience with process design or molding environments
Ability to specify fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids while working with vendors or internal teams
Familiarity with ISO 9001 environments or audit preparation
Benefits
401(k) with employer match
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Equity participation in a rapidly growing hardware company
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase