Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Divergent•Torrance, CA

2d•$128,520 - $235,740

About The Position

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer bridges design and production, optimizing designs for manufacturability while enhancing processes to support high-reliability hardware. This role guides new concepts through prototype, enables rapid iteration, troubleshoots complex manufacturing issues, and matures designs into production to uphold Divergent's standards for quality and reliability.

Requirements

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
10+ years hands on experience in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
Significant exposure to aerospace or defense industries.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, AutoCAD) and strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, robotics, or automation.
Proven track record of leading complex projects from concept through production, focusing on high-performance materials and high-reliability applications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent expertise in continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with quality management systems like AS9100 or ISO 9001.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-tech, fast-paced startup environment with a passion for disrupting traditional manufacturing paradigms.

Responsibilities

End-to-end manufacturing ownership of multiple development and production products
Technical lead for all manufacturing processes
Develop, Implement, and refine scalable manufacturing processes aligned with Divergent's technology development.
Drive improvements in yield, cycle times, and first-pass quality through data-driven continuous improvement initiatives.
Identify and implement automation opportunities to streamline workflows, enhance data collection, and improve process repeatability.
Stay current on emerging manufacturing technologies, integrating innovative solutions to advance Divergent's competitive position.
Lead new concepts and product designs through the factory, ensuring efficient troubleshooting and rapid iteration to meet aggressive timelines.
Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) strategies early in the design process, collaborating cross-functionally to optimize manufacturing outcomes.
Introduce new equipment, tooling, and processes, conducting rigorous testing and validation to support high-reliability manufacturing.
Develop and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and process plans, ensuring compliance with quality standards like AS9100.
Ensure all manufacturing processes adhere to industry regulations and internal quality management systems.
Lead efforts to resolve hardware nonconformance issues promptly, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Act as a technical lead in troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues, supporting production and quality teams.
Provide technical guidance to manufacturing staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Lead cross-functional product/program teams.
Support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering in team growth initiatives.