Structures Manufacturing Engineer

About The Role:

Responsibilities:

• Own the design, fabrication, and validation of tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment supporting structural prototype builds, integration, and testing.
• Rapidly iterate tooling concepts to support changing designs, test objectives, and build sequences.
• Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test engineers to define integration flow, tooling interfaces, and build strategies.
• Perform mechanical checks, fit-ups, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and flight hardware builds.
• Maintain configuration control, documentation, and safety standards across evolving tooling systems.
• Support the build, integration, and inspection of primary and secondary structural assemblies for the Quarterhorse vehicle and future platforms.
• Act as the primary interface between design engineers and technicians during prototype and flight hardware builds.
• Identify integration challenges early and develop creative tooling or process solutions to maintain build velocity.
• Provide direct, real-time design feedback based on hands-on build experience.
• Support structural testing campaigns by enabling efficient, repeatable, and safe hardware setups.
• Develop and refine prototype manufacturing processes with a focus on speed, flexibility, and learning.
• Drive continuous improvement of tooling and build approaches to reduce iteration time and increase build quality.
• Resolve non-conformances through hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis in collaboration with Quality.
• Coordinate internal and external fabrication resources to meet aggressive R&D and test milestones.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and comfort applying first principles in ambiguous environments.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware.
• Proven ability to design, build, test, break, and iterate rapidly.
• Proficiency with CAD and familiarity with GD&T fundamentals.
• Comfort using hand tools, test equipment, and working directly on the shop floor.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and assembly.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary R&D teams.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends as needed.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in an R&D or startup development environment.
• Direct experience designing or building tooling for large structural assemblies.
• Experience supporting a flight development or experimental aircraft program.
• Familiarity with lean prototyping and rapid iteration in low-volume environments.