Vehicle Lead

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.

We are seeking a Vehicle lead to lead the development of next-generation autonomous defense platforms. As the Chief Engineer, you will oversee the entire technical development lifecycle, from conceptual design through prototyping, testing, and transition to production. Your leadership will guide the team to develop innovative, manufacturable systems that deliver strategic advantages in modern warfare.

At Mach Industries, we are committed to building scalable, decentralized platforms that maintain an allied American edge. The future of warfare lies in unmanned, autonomous systems, and our mission is to produce these systems at scale to deter kinetic conflict and ensure U.S. military readiness. As Chief Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission, leading the design and development of high-performance, adaptable platforms while ensuring scalability for decentralized production.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design, development, and integration of autonomous defense platforms, managing the technical and programmatic execution of airframe, propulsion, and system design.

• Guide the conceptualization and optimization of system-level designs, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and operational objectives.

• Manage end-to-end product development, from white-paper concepts to detailed design, prototype testing, and transition to production.

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and strategic vision.

• Collaborate across functions, including aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing, to deliver fully integrated systems.

• Ensure systems are designed for manufacturability and scalability, enabling high-volume production in decentralized, flexible factories.

• Coordinate subsystem and system-level testing to validate performance, reliability, and mission-readiness.

• Partner with leadership to align technical priorities with strategic business goals and ensure adequate resources are in place to meet program objectives.

• Travel to customer sites and test facilities to support system development and deployment, as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience leading multidisciplinary engineering programs, including unmanned air systems or similar advanced platforms.

• Proven ability to take complex systems from concept to deployment, with expertise in design, integration, and testing.

• Strong understanding of vehicle systems engineering, including airframe, propulsion, and payload integration.

• Demonstrated success in optimizing system performance while managing costs, schedules, and risks.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.

• Proven leadership experience in fast-paced, mission-driven environments, with a track record of mentoring high-performing teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in scalable manufacturing techniques, including modular design and decentralized production.

• Hands-on experience with DoD systems and knowledge of acquisition processes and standards.

• Familiarity with advanced materials, and next-generation propulsion technologies.

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 at the end of December providing an extra 10 days off

• Competitive paid time off (PTO) policies.

Company Provided Meals

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

Retirement & Financial Security

• 401(k) Plan (U.S. Only): We offer a company 401k with 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.

Mach Industries is 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 building the systems that will define the future of defense. As Chief Engineer, you will be at the forefront of solving the toughest engineering challenges in modern warfare. Your work will contribute to creating systems that are not only innovative but also manufacturable at scale, ensuring the U.S. military remains prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Join us at Mach Industries, where innovation meets execution, and your expertise will help secure 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!