Soft Materials 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>As a Soft Materials Technician, you’ll fabricate, seam, assemble, and finish soft material structures that make up our unmanned defense systems. You’ll work with polymers, films, and fabrics, using welding equipment to create vehicles and subassemblies. </p> <p>You’ll support both rapid prototypes (where experimentation and iteration are essential) and production builds (where repeatability and precision drive mission success). You’ll work closely with engineers and fellow technicians to translate designs into reliable, lightweight, high-performance flight hardware.</p> <h1><strong>Key

Responsibilities</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Seam, assemble, and finish soft material components using RF, hot air, impulse, and wedge welding processes.</li> <li>Fabricate vehicles and substructures from polymers, films, laminates, and coated fabrics.</li> <li>Set up, operate, and tune welding equipment to achieve consistent, high-quality welds across varying materials and geometries.</li> <li>Cut and trim welded assemblies to tight dimensional and quality

requirements.</li> <li>Conduct in-process inspections of weld quality, seam strength, and dimensional accuracy; identify defects and rework as needed.</li> <li>Support prototype builds: adapting welding methods, experimenting with parameters, iterating with engineers, and documenting lessons learned.</li> <li>Support production builds: following controlled work instructions, ensuring repeatability, and meeting takt time.</li> <li>Handle sensitive materials and maintain clean work environments to prevent contamination.</li> <li>Maintain welding equipment, tooling, and fixtures; report wear, calibration issues, and support continuous improvement.</li> <li>Uphold safety, quality, and documentation standards consistent with defense hardware

requirements.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Required

Qualifications </strong></h1> <ul> <li>High school diploma or equivalent.</li> <li>1+ years of hands-on experience welding or fabricating soft materials, polymers, or coated fabrics (aerospace, industrial textiles, inflatables, automotive, or similar fields).</li> <li>Experience operating RF, hot air, impulse, or wedge welding equipment (Miller Weldmaster experience strongly preferred).</li> <li>Proficiency with hand tools, cutting tools, and basic measuring equipment.</li> <li>Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.</li> <li>Comfortable wearing full PPE and working around heat-based welding equipment.</li> <li>Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment where quality is mission-critical.</li> <li>Physical capability to lift 25+ lbs, stand and/or sit for long periods, and manipulate large flexible assemblies.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Preferred

Qualifications </strong></h1> <ul> <li>Experience fabricating large-area soft structures such as balloons, bladders, inflatables, or flexible tanks.</li> <li>Experience with Miller Weldmaster equipment.</li> <li>Background in prototype or R&D environments where processes are not fully defined.</li> <li>Familiarity with seam testing, leak testing, or destructive/non-destructive evaluation of welded joints.</li> <li>Knowledge of aerospace or defense quality standards and documentation practices.</li> <li>Cross-training in related areas such as composites, coatings, textiles, or mechanical assembly.</li> <li>Experience supporting both development and production manufacturing environments.</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> <p> </p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$26</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$34 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

$54,080 - $70,720

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.