Airframe Manufacturing Engineer

Astro Mechanica
San Francisco, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to hands-on engineers with deep composite manufacturing expertise working in aerospace or advanced engineering settings.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in developing complex aerospace structures and scaling manufacturing operations from scratch
    — “Experience establishing or scaling manufacturing operations.”
  • Engineers with a strong background in translating engineering data into physical hardware and improving workflows
    — “Able to rapidly develop a manufacturing process from the ground up to turn engineering data into real hardware.”

Things to consider

  • The role demands a candidate who can commit to building a next-generation aircraft factory from the beginning
    — “Building an aircraft manufacturing line from scratch and partnering closely with our manufacturing leaders.”
  • Strong attention to detail and process ownership are essential for structural hardware delivery
    — “Take end-to-end ownership of manufacturing process development and structural hardware delivery.”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your experience with translating design concepts into executable manufacturing plans
    — “Partner with engineering teams to translate designs and requirements into executable manufacturing plans.”
  • Showcase your background in composite fabrication and structural assembly for aerospace applications
    — “Strong understanding of composite materials, manufacturing methods, tooling, and assembly techniques.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • establishment of manufacturing operations
  • successful hardware delivery
Typical background
composite manufacturingaerospace manufacturing

Skills & requirements

Required

Composite ManufacturingAerospace ManufacturingManufacturing Process DevelopmentStructural Hardware DeliveryCross-functional Collaboration

Preferred

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologiesAutomationManufacturing Software Systems

Stack & domain

Composite MaterialsManufacturing TechniquesCADEngineering DrawingsDesign For ManufacturabilityProject ManagementProblem-solvingCross-functional CollaborationAerospace

About the role

Original posting from Astro Mechanica via Ashby

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

You're an engineer with a solid understanding of composite materials and manufacturing techniques, able to rapidly develop a manufacturing process from the ground up to turn engineering data into real hardware. You thrive in a hands-on, interdisciplinary environment where seamless collaboration with design, production, quality, supply chain and all other supporting teams is critical to achieving success. You're excited about building an aircraft manufacturing line from scratch and partnering closely with our manufacturing leaders to build a next-generation aircraft factory.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Help establish and scale Astro Mechanica’s airframe manufacturing operations, including facilities, equipment, tooling, and processes.
  • Take end-to-end ownership of manufacturing process development and structural hardware delivery, from initial concept through production.
  • Partner with engineering teams to translate designs and requirements into executable manufacturing plans.
  • Drive composite fabrication, structural assembly, and integration activities to support development milestones.
  • Develop and continuously improve manufacturing processes, tooling, workflows, and documentation.
  • Work hands-on with production teams to troubleshoot issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure build quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support manufacturing execution, quality, and scalability.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

  • 5+ years of experience in composite manufacturing, structural fabrication, or aerospace manufacturing.
  • Experience developing and implementing manufacturing processes for complex structures and assemblies.
  • Strong understanding of composite materials, manufacturing methods, tooling, and assembly techniques.
  • Experience supporting new product development, from initial design through completed hardware.
  • Experience establishing or scaling manufacturing operations.
  • Proficiency in CAD, engineering drawings, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
  • Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and manufacturing software systems.
  • Experience with aircraft or spacecraft integration and large-scale structural assemblies.

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Source: Astro Mechanica careers (Ashby)

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