Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Mach Industries is seeking a Head of Prototype to lead the fabrication and development of critical test systems and flight hardware for next-generation autonomous defense platforms. As the Head of Prototype, you will play a pivotal role in bridging product design and physical fabrication, ensuring that innovative designs are optimized for manufacturability, scalability, and performance. Your leadership will drive the creation of high-quality prototypes and early production systems, providing the United States with a strategic advantage in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

At Mach Industries, we build next-generation platforms to maintain an allied American edge. The future of warfare lies in decentralized autonomous systems, and we aim to produce these platforms at scale using flexible, adaptable factories. As the Head of Prototype, you will work at the intersection of innovation and execution, leading a multidisciplinary team to develop robust fabrication processes that support modular, scalable production and ensure our platforms deliver adaptability, resilience, and strategic value.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and testing of prototypes to validate concepts, designs, and functionality before full-scale production.

• Manage fabrication leads and production scheduling to optimize workflows, resource allocation, and material flow for prototype development and testing.Collaborate with design engineering teams to provide critical design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback, optimizing parts for throughput, quality, and ease of production.

• Work with the manufacturing team to align prototype fabrication with future scaled production goals, enhancing efficiency and manufacturability.

• Define and implement fabrication methods, machinery requirements, and technician resourcing to support prototype development and testing.

• Develop and maintain design-for-manufacturability standards for various manufacturing techniques, including machining, welding, composites, and electrical harnessing.

• Proactively review early engineering designs to provide fabrication-specific insights, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reduce costs, and accelerate production timelines.

• Partner with engineering teams to identify critical system requirements and test novel fabrication and production techniques to enhance quality and throughput.

• Oversee production budgets and capital equipment purchasing, ensuring cost-effective acquisition and maintenance of required production hardware.

• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards, including MIL-STD, ASME Y14.5 GD&T, and applicable quality management systems (QMS) for aerospace-grade components.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in hardware prototyping, production, or fabrication, with a focus on aerospace, autonomous systems, or defense applications.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in machining, welding, composites, or other aerospace-related fabrication techniques.

• Proven experience managing personnel in a production environment, with expertise in resource and personnel management using tools like JIRA or similar platforms.

• Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and their application in prototype and production environments.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar tools for documentation, scheduling, and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex fabrication projects on time and within budget, even with limited input or evolving design requirements.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a track record of optimizing production processes for quality and efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.

• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

• Familiarity with defense industry standards, including MIL-STD and DoD quality and compliance requirements.

• Hands-on experience with composites, electrical harnessing, CNC machining, and welding in aerospace or defense applications.

• Expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and Quality Management Systems (QMS) for aerospace-grade components.

• Knowledge of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automated fabrication processes.

• Experience with high-fidelity simulation environments or digital twins for prototype testing and validation.

Benefits at Mach Industries

At Mach Industries, we are committed to supporting the well-being and success of our team members. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to offer financial security and foster personal and professional growth. Here’s an overview of the benefits available to full-time employees:

Competitive Compensation Package

The salary range for this position is an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including experience, education, skills, and business considerations. The actual salary offered may vary. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees may receive equity grants, which are considered part of Mach Industries’ total compensation package.

Healthcare & Wellness Benefits

• Platinum Healthcare Coverage: For U.S. employees, Mach Industries provides platinum-level coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee, with 90% of coverage for dependents.

Generous Time Off & Leave Policies

• Holiday Calendar: We offer a generous holiday schedule including 13 holidays.

• Holiday Shutdown: An additional 10 days off at the end of December.

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Policies

Company-Provided Meals

• Daily Meals & Snacks: Daily catered lunches, fully stocked kitchens with snacks, drinks, a coffee bar, and more!

Retirement & Financial Security

• 401(k) Plan (U.S. Only): We offer a company 401k with a 5% match to provide for your financial future.

Relocation Assistance

We offer relocation support for eligible positions, ensuring a smooth transition for team members moving for work.

At Mach Industries, we are committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and personal growth. We want to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to thrive both inside and outside of work.

Why Mach Industries?

At Mach Industries, we are pioneering the future of defense through scalable, decentralized technologies. As the Head of Prototype, you’ll lead a dynamic team tackling some of the hardest engineering and manufacturing challenges in modern warfare. Your work will directly contribute to building systems that ensure global stability and preparedness through innovative, manufacturable designs.

Join us in shaping the future of warfare and securing the American way of life.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!