Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Swarm Aero is redefining air power by building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. We are rapidly moving towards launching the first aircraft specifically designed for swarming, along with the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets, empowering human operators to achieve superhuman results. 

Our team has successfully created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built over 30 novel aircraft. We bring aerospace experience from top entities, including Scaled Composites, SpaceX, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic. 

Swarm Aero is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for building production lines from the ground up, implementing novel high-rate manufacturing processes, and producing advanced autonomous aircraft. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Work hand-in-hand with designers to develop advanced aircraft for production and implement design for manufacturing (DFM) concepts.  
• Set up manufacturing facilities from the ground up, including procurement of heavy equipment from vendors around the world and designing of custom tooling. 
• Develop and implement advanced manufacturing processes for composite and metallic aircraft components. 
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, and tooling designs. 
• Conduct feasibility studies and production readiness reviews for new designs. 
• Own the production of prototypes and support the transition to full-scale manufacturing. 

What You’ve Done: 

• Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. An advanced degree is preferred. 
• Accumulated a minimum of 8 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry. 
• Gained extensive experience with composite and metallic manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with manufacturing software tools and CAD systems, such as Siemens NX, Fibersim, Warpdrive, NetSuite, ION, Manufacturo, or similar tools. 
• Acquired a solid understanding of quality control principles and practices. 

What Sets You Apart: 

• You like to build and break things. 
• You ask for forgiveness instead of for permission. 
• Proven track record of success in new product development and manufacturing. 
• Experience working in fast-paced, small team environments. 
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Strong leadership and project management abilities. 

What we Offer: 

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company 
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience  
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k 
• PTO and Paid Sick Time 
• Monthly Wellness Stipend 
• Daily catered lunch to office 
• Paid Parental leave  
• Flexible work arrangement - remote/hybrid with regular collaboration in Oxnard 
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security 
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems 

Salary Range: $135,000-185,000

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.  

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.