Manufacturing Engineer – Machine Production

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

Job Description:

Machina Labs is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Machine Production to join our growing team and help scale the next generation of robotic manufacturing systems. In this hands-on role, you will support the production ramp and process development of our RoboCraftsman forming cells, working at the intersection of robotics, advanced manufacturing, and production engineering.

You will play a key role in transitioning engineering designs into scalable manufacturing systems, optimizing material flow, assembly processes, and facility layout while supporting the evolution of our robotic forming technology. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges while bringing innovative hardware systems from early builds into reliable production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the scaling and development of Machina Labs’ RoboCraftsman forming cells, including optimizing assembly processes as production transitions from low-volume builds to higher-volume manufacturing.
• Manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) by converting Engineering BOMs (EBOMs) into Manufacturing BOMs (MBOMs) structured for efficient material flow, routing, and assembly operations.
• Design and develop jigs, fixtures, and tooling to support assembly, handling, and lifting operations; perform simulations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs and ensure performance and reliability.
• Develop detailed work instructions, assembly procedures, method sheets, and in-process documentation to ensure repeatability, quality, and process consistency.
• Support production planning activities including job planning, routing development, and scheduling; utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage work orders and coordinate production activities.
• Partner with facilities and production leadership to support facility build-out and production cell optimization, applying Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to improve workflow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.
• Estimate manufacturing costs, develop time standards, and recommend tooling or equipment requirements for new or evolving product lines.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to evaluate designs for manufacturability (DFM) and support engineering changes including ECOs, ECRs, first article inspections, and process improvements.
• Work directly with production teams to troubleshoot technical issues, resolve bottlenecks, and improve process reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation, reporting systems, and operational records to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Background & Experience:

• 5+ years of Manufacturing or Operations Engineering experience in production environments, preferably in advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, defense, or automotive industries involving complex assemblies.
• Proven experience supporting low- to mid-volume production environments, including stabilizing processes, scaling operations, and managing engineering changes such as ECOs and process improvements.
• Strong experience managing BOM structures, including converting EBOMs to MBOMs for efficient manufacturing workflows.
• Proficiency designing production fixtures, jigs, and tooling using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, or similar platforms; experience performing simulations and FEA analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment design, and process engineering principles, including Lean Manufacturing and 5S methodologies.
• Experience developing work instructions, routings, assembly procedures, and process documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for production planning, work order management, scheduling, and material tracking.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD for system layouts, schematics, and integrated mechanical system design.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across engineering, production, and leadership teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with robotic or automated manufacturing cells, incremental sheet forming, or similar advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Background in high-precision, low-volume production environments supporting mission-critical applications such as aerospace or defense structures.
• Demonstrated focus on process repeatability, operational efficiency, and translating design intent into scalable manufacturing solutions.
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.