Operations Engineer
About this role
Mach Industries is hiring a Operations Engineer, full-time, on-site in Huntington Beach, California, United States, in the DEFENSE sector.
About Mach Industries
Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
Mach is seeking an Operations Engineer to serve as a deployable technical operator embedded within our engineering, manufacturing, and program management teams.
Mach’s advantage has been speed, ownership, and an unwillingness to let hard problems sit unresolved. As we scale our product portfolio, program complexity, headcount, and facilities, we will need automated systems and efficient processes across our company.
As an Operations Engineer, you will act as a “Swiss Army Knife” who must be able to rapidly context-switch, autonomously develop skillsets and expertise overnight, communicate effectively across teams, and execute with minimal oversight at an extremely high level. The role will focus on high-impact work that departments or teams do not have the time to absorb or that fall outside traditional scopes. You will be integrated across the company to scale critical processes, protect product velocity, and sustain momentum through change. This role will heavily emphasize the development and integration of enterprise grade automation and software to help tie cross functional teams together.
You will report into execution leadership, ensuring that as Mach grows in scale and external accountability so that we do not lose the intensity and speed that defines us. This role is designed for technically strong individuals who take pride in closing loops, raising standards, and maintaining momentum.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead development and deployment of internal automation systems to streamline engineering, manufacturing, and operations workflows, eliminating manual touch points.
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Architect and maintain operational data pipelines and dashboards to enable real-time, decision-grade visibility across programs.
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Design scalable process and systems architectures to support new product lines, facilities, and organizational expansion.
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Formalize and instrument critical workflows with clear inputs/outputs, controls, and measurable performance metrics.
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Diagnose systemic inefficiencies using data-driven analysis and implement durable technical and process-level solutions.
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Build and refine program execution tooling, including tracking systems, dependency mapping, and risk monitoring frameworks.
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Integrate software systems and cross-functional data sources (PLM, ERP, MES, etc.) to create a unified operational backbone.
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Develop lightweight internal applications, scripts, and APIs to automate coordination, reporting, and cross-team handoffs.
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Partner with department leaders to translate strategic initiatives into implemented systems, infrastructure, and execution processes.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering.
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1-3+ years in a fast paced collaborative work environment within an engineering or consulting field.
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Strong systems-level intuition with demonstrated ability to reason across electrical, mechanical, and software boundaries.
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Demonstrated ability to build credibility quickly across teams and influence outcomes without formal authority.
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Refined communication ability, with experience distilling complex technical and organizational issues into clear, decision-oriented narratives for diverse stakeholders.
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Capacity to understand engineering and manufacturing data structures (e.g., BOM hierarchies, part revisions, work orders) without owning product design.
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Experience building, deploying and maintaining automation using python, SQL, APIs, or similar platforms/tooling.
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Background in developing automation or tooling (e.g., scripting, workflow tools, Jira, internal systems).
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience with aerospace, UAS, robotics, automotive, or other complex hardware manufacturing.
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Working familiarity with regulated environments (ITAR/EAR), aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO9001), and government program requirements.
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Understanding of product lifecycle states (R&D -> EVT/DVT/PVT -> Production).
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Hands-on experience with enterprise systems (ERP, MES, PLM).
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Exposure to manufacturing scale-up or production environments.
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Experience in a startup or high-growth technical organization.
Additional Requirements
- Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Engineer $100,000 — $150,000 USDAt Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.
Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:
- Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
- Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
- Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
- Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
- Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
- Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.
By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.
Data Privacy
To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy .
Disclosures
Description from Mach Industries's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.
About Mach Industries
Mach Industries
Company in the mobility sector tracked nightly on the Mobility Jobs board.
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About Larry Sherwood Jr.
Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.
Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)
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