Lead Fabrication Technician

Huntington Beach, CA

About the role

<div class="content-intro"><h1 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>About Mach Industries</strong></h1> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p></div><h1 data-pm-slice="0 0 []"><strong>

The Role</strong></h1> <p>The Lead Fabrication Technician provides hands-on and technical leadership across advanced manufacturing projects, including custom test rig builds, structural aircraft modifications, and bespoke R&D hardware. This role combines precision welding, sheet metal fabrication, and machining expertise (aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium) with the ability to mentor technicians, prioritize shop workload, and uphold quality and safety standards. Success requires strong mechanical aptitude, close collaboration with engineers, and comfort adapting processes in a fast-moving, iterative environment. Availability for swing shifts is required to support development timelines.</p> <h1><strong>Key

Responsibilities</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Lead and mentor a team of fabrication technicians, providing hands-on training, technique guidance, and quality oversight for welding, sheet metal, and machining work.</li> <li>Fabricate vehicle components, structural assemblies, and custom test fixtures using TIG welding, sheet metal techniques, and general metalworking, while setting the standard for weld and build quality.</li> <li>Perform and review high-quality welds (horizontal, vertical, and overhead) on aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel for both prototype and production applications.</li> <li>Operate the Flow Waterjet and train other technicians on its use.</li> <li>Interpret engineering drawings and technical documents, and ensure

the team executes builds with minimal supervision and high accuracy.</li> <li>Prioritize and assign shop floor work across projects, balancing competing deadlines and coordinating coverage across shifts.</li> <li>Serve as the primary point of contact between the fabrication team and engineers, providing actionable Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback and escalating build issues as needed.</li> <li>Oversee structural and fluid system assembly, including routing and integration of tubes, brackets, and hardware.</li> <li>Own dimensional checks and visual weld inspections, prepare parts for NDT methods such as X-ray and dye penetrant, and ensure

the team follows inspection protocols.</li> <li>Drive lean manufacturing practices and lead continuous improvement of fabrication processes, tooling, and workflows.</li> <li>Maintain and operate manual machines (mills, lathes, grinders) as needed, and ensure proper use and upkeep across

the team.</li> <li>Take ownership of shop cleanliness, organization, and safety protocols, including enforcing safety standards among team members.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <h1><strong>Required

Qualifications</strong></h1> <ul> <li>8+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a fast-paced prototyping or production environment, including experience leading, mentoring, or training other technicians.</li> <li>Proficiency in TIG welding, including work with aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.</li> <li>Experience with sheet metal fabrication, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.</li> <li>Working knowledge of Flow Waterjet operation.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate work across a team, and to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, and leadership.</li> <li>Ability to interpret technical drawings and follow precise fabrication instructions.</li> <li>Familiarity with manual machining (mill, lathe, grinder) and general metalworking tools.</li> <li>Strong attention to detail, safety-minded, and capable of leading independently or in cross-functional teams.<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <h1><strong>Preferred

Qualifications</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS) for reviewing and interpreting part models and technical drawings.</li> <li>Familiarity with machining principles, tolerancing, and GD&T.</li> <li>Experience collaborating on prototype development, including iterative fabrication and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback.</li> <li>Prior experience as a lead, supervisor, or shift lead in a fabrication or manufacturing shop.</li> <li>Exposure to aerospace, defense, or advanced R&D environments.</li> <li>Understanding of inspection methods, including visual, dimensional, and NDT-prep processes.</li> <li>Comfort working in cross-functional teams alongside engineers and technical leads.</li> <li>Experience with one or more of the following: <ul> <li>Stick welding and dual-shield welding.</li> <li>Press brake operation and programming.</li> <li>Fixture and part design.</li> <li>Woodworking.<strong> </strong></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h1><strong>Additional

Requirements</strong></h1> <div> <ul> <li>Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed</li> </ul> </div> <div> <h1><strong>ITAR

Requirements</strong></h1> <p>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 <a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987">here</a>.  </p> </div><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$40</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$52 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">At 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.</p> <p>Key Elements of Our

Compensation Philosophy:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competitive Salaries</strong>: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.</li> <li><strong>Performance-Based Incentives</strong>: Our

bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.</li> <li><strong>Equity Participation</strong>: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.</li> <li><strong>Benefit Packages</strong>: 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.</li> <li><strong>Professional Development</strong>: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.</li> <li><strong>Transparency</strong>: We are committed to openness about our

compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Data Privacy</strong><br>To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit <a href="https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy" target="_blank">https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy</a>.</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Disclosures</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p></div>

About Mach Industries

Mach Industries is a defense manufacturing company building advanced unmanned systems and defense infrastructure for the modern era. The company develops products including VTOL strike aircraft, long-range munitions, and high-altitude pseudo-satellite platforms, with a vertically integrated and distributed manufacturing model designed for supply chain resilience. Its customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

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Job details

Salary

$83,200 - $108,160

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Company

NameMach Industries
IndustryAerospace
Team Size3

Funding

Total raised

$185M

Last stage

Growth

Investors

Khosla Ventures
BBedrock Capital
Sequoia Capital
DDCVC
MMarque Ventures

Founders

ET

Ethan Thornton

Founder and CEO

What happens next.

No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.

01

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

02

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

03

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.