Manager, Build Engineering
$175,000–$220,000 year
On-siteLos Angeles, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead a team of Build Engineers dedicated to a specific customer program, owning new product introduction outcomes from first article through stabilized production. Tie individual engineer work into a coherent execution plan by setting sequencing, prioritization, and risk mitigation across the program. Partner with Supply Chain, Capability Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Software, Materials & Processes, and Test to unblock constraints before they impact the build. Serve as the primary escalation point for build issues, resolving problems related to drawings, tolerances, tooling, materials, and process flow in real time. Coach, develop, and level up team members while making sound decisions under schedule pressure with incomplete information. Represent the program in cross-functional planning and reviews to drive lessons learned and transition stabilized processes into standard production.
Required Qualifications
- 6–10+ years of experience in build, production, or manufacturing engineering, including hands-on experience with new product introduction (NPI) or zero-to-one manufacturing efforts.
- 2+ years of experience leading or managing a team of engineers in a manufacturing environment, or a demonstrated track record of informal technical leadership.
- Demonstrated success coordinating across engineering, supply chain, software, and production functions to deliver complex or first-of-kind builds.
- Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, BOMs, and process requirements.
- Comfort operating hands-on on the factory floor as well as managing and prioritizing at the program level.
- Ability to make sound decisions under schedule pressure with incomplete or evolving information.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to align technicians, engineers, and leadership around a single execution plan.
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience owning a product or program from concept/prototype through production ramp at a high-growth manufacturing or hardware company.
- Background in precision manufacturing, machining, assembly, or inspection within aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical industries.
- Exposure to test engineering, materials & processes, or capability engineering functions.
- Experience managing a team through frequent design or priority changes.
- Familiarity with ERP/MES/PLM systems and digital work instruction tools.
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
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