About Us

We are a small, fast-moving team building next-generation jet engines for aerospace and defense. Backed by leading investors and led by proven founders, we’re assembling a high-performance team to reinvent propulsion from the ground up. This is a rare chance to create genuinely new technology and to watch it go from a sketch on your screen to hardware that actually enters service. We design it, analyze it, build it, and test it, often in the same week.

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

We are looking for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to own the scale-up of our manufacturing processes from early prototype builds to high-rate production. You will define how our engine hardware gets made at volume — establishing the process infrastructure, production capabilities, and quality systems that enable us to go from first articles to repeatable, high-rate output of next-generation propulsion hardware.

This is a high-ownership role for a seasoned engineer who brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing and a track record of scaling complex hardware programs. You will drive the adoption of modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing methods, influence design decisions early, and build the production foundation that takes us from development to scale.

Responsibilities

• Own the development, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for assigned engine hardware — personally leading PFMEA, PPAP, first article inspection, and control plan development.

• Work directly on the floor with machinists, welders, and technicians to develop processes, troubleshoot problems, and close the loop between engineering intent and shop-floor reality.

• Serve as the senior process authority for precision machining, additive manufacturing (DMLS/LPBF), EDM, TIG/EB/laser welding, brazing, heat treatment, coatings, and rotor balancing — depth in most, familiarity with the rest.

• Provide authoritative DFM/DFA input to engineering at the design stage: push back intelligently, propose alternatives, and get designs to a state that can be built and held to tolerance at scale.

• Own tooling, fixture, and gauging design or specification for your processes; work with internal teams and outside vendors to get them right.

• Lead root cause investigations when processes fail or parts don’t conform — you own corrective action, not just the writeup.

• Qualify suppliers and sub-tier processors for work that moves outside our walls; conduct process audits and first article reviews yourself.

• Write and maintain work instructions, control plans, and routings that reflect actual best practice and that operators can follow without interpretation.

• Mentor manufacturing engineers and technicians through direct, hands-on collaboration.

• Support engine integration and test campaigns with manufacturable, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or Industrial Engineering — or equivalent depth of experience.

• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with a track record of scaling processes from prototype through high-rate production.

• Deep knowledge of gas turbine–relevant processes: precision machining, additive manufacturing (DMLS/LPBF), EDM, TIG/EB/laser welding, brazing, heat treatment, coatings, and rotor balancing.

• Mastery of GD&T, metrology, stack-up tolerancing, and statistical process control in high-precision environments.

• Proven experience leading PFMEA, PPAP, first article inspection, and control plan development.

• Strong DFM/DFA instincts: you catch problems at the design stage and know how to get engineering to a better solution.

• Experience establishing and operating quality systems in regulated environments (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA/DoD); familiarity with ITAR/EAR.

• Clear, direct communicator at every level of the organization.

• Self-directed and execution-focused in environments where infrastructure is still being built.

• Low ego, high accountability, and a drive to build the best manufacturing operation in propulsion.

You'll thrive here if you:

• Own problems the moment you see them — and drive them to resolution regardless of whose area they touch

• Lead by example at every level, and check your ego at the door — the best idea wins, full stop

• Can prioritize ruthlessly when the list is longer than the day

• Believe that discipline and rigor are what create the freedom to move fast — not obstacles to it

Joining a company this early is not for everyone — and the people who do their best work here tend to know exactly why they want it. What makes it exceptional: you won't be maintaining someone else's legacy. You'll help define the architecture from first principles, follow your work all the way to fielded hardware. You will operate with almost no layers between an idea and a decision. Real breadth, real ownership, real stakes. What's genuinely hard: ambiguity is the default, the intensity is real, and it carries startup risk. You'll often build the process before you can build the thing. Priorities shift as we learn. If that tradeoff sounds like exactly what you've been looking for, we want to hear from you.

Compensation & Benefits

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 full-time offers.

We offer comprehensive benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Premium Healthcare Coverage: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents

• Complete Protection: Full company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

• Flexible Time Off: Open PTO policy plus 13 paid company holidays

• Family Support: 8 weeks of paid parental leave and comprehensive leave options

• Wellness Resources: Access to mental health services, Employee Assistance Program, and financial coaching

• Pre-Tax Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and commuter benefits

• Professional Growth: Development opportunities including mentorship and skill development

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with company matching

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We foster a culture of ownership, initiative, inclusion, and mutual respect. 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. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to apply. If you're passionate about revolutionizing aerospace propulsion, we'd love to hear from you.

Security & Export Control

This position may require access to information protected under U.S.