Propulsion Technician

Mach Industries•Victorville, CA

10d•$25 - $40

About The Position

Mach Industries is seeking a safety-focused Propulsion Technician to support manufacturing of energetic materials, propellant preparation and mixing, and controlled chemical processing for mission-critical defense systems. This hands-on role involves operating specialized manufacturing equipment and following approved procedures while maintaining rigorous safety, quality, and traceability standards in a fast-paced production environment. The technician collaborates with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, EHS, and Test teams to deliver reliable materials and hardware for downstream operations and testing. The role may involve handling hazardous or reactive chemicals, including hypergolic materials when assigned, but only after required training and authorization and in accordance with EHS-approved procedures. The technician must follow released work instructions and approved process specifications, maintain controlled manufacturing documentation, and promptly report unsafe conditions, process deviations, hazards, near misses, and nonconformances. The position may require extended hours and weekend work as needed. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements for access to protected information or technology. Mach Industries is a defense technology company founded in 2023, with approximately 350 employees. The company develops autonomous defense platforms and describes its mission as delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems. Compensation is listed by level: Level I, $25–$30 USD; Level II, $30–$35 USD; and Level III, $35–$40 USD. The posting also describes performance-based incentives, equity or stock options, healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, paid time off, and professional development funding.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a production, manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial operations environment.
Ability to follow detailed work instructions, process specifications, safety procedures, and batch or traveler documentation without unauthorized deviations.
Understanding of basic workplace safety practices, including hazard communication, safety data sheets (SDS), PPE, and pre-task risk assessments.
Comfort working with manufacturing equipment, tools, and controlled production documentation; willingness to complete role-specific safety and equipment qualifications.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate material identification, lot traceability, manufacturing records, and quality standards.
Team-oriented approach with strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize changing assignments, and maintain strict safety and quality standards.
Ability to lift up to 35 lbs and perform repetitive manufacturing tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work alternate shifts or extended hours as needed, including weekends as needed.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in propellant mixing, energetics manufacturing, chemical batch processing, or controlled handling of hypergolic or other highly hazardous substances.
Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), Jira, ERP/MRP, and controlled batch or traveler records.
Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality practices, material genealogy, nonconformance reporting, and root-cause corrective action processes.
Exposure to chemical hazard assessments, equipment readiness reviews, management of change, and emergency response preparedness.
Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), low-rate initial production (LRIP), or high-mix, low-volume production ramps.
Familiarity with equipment inspection, calibration requirements, manufacturing process controls, and in-process quality verification.
Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S, visual management, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned manufacturing operations involving propellant preparation and mixing, energetic materials, and controlled batch processing according to released work instructions and approved process specifications.
Handle, label, move, and store hazardous or reactive chemicals, including hypergolic materials when assigned, only after completing required training and authorization and in accordance with EHS-approved procedures.
Complete pre-task safety checks; verify required PPE, equipment readiness, and safety controls; stop and escalate work when unsafe conditions or process deviations are identified.
Operate and inspect assigned production equipment, mixing systems, tooling, and fixtures within documented operating requirements; report equipment issues and support readiness and calibration activities.
Complete batch records, manufacturing travelers, material lot and quantity records, and inventory transactions accurately using MES and other controlled documentation.
Perform self-inspections and support in-process quality checks, inspection hold points, and material traceability requirements before work proceeds to the next operation.
Support pilot builds, pre-production trials, and new manufacturing processes in collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet quality and production deliverables.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Test teams to identify process issues, investigate defects or test failures, and implement approved corrective actions.
Maintain clean, organized, and compliant work areas using 5S practices, chemical labeling requirements, tool accountability, material segregation, and proper housekeeping.
Support controlled material handoffs, test-article preparation, and downstream production or test activities while maintaining required documentation and accountability.
Work independently on assigned tasks, adapt to changing daily priorities, communicate clear shift handoffs, and provide feedback to improve safety, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.
Report hazards, near misses, and nonconformances promptly; participate in required safety training, emergency preparedness activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.