R&D Manufacturing Engineering Lead

BETA Technologies•South Burlington, VT

7d•$125,000 - $160,000

About The Position

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture. BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive the next generation of composite manufacturing capability at BETA. This high-impact role will identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies that expand what our composites shop can produce — increasing capacity, enabling new product forms, and delivering step-change cost reductions. This leader will build and manage a team of manufacturing engineers while serving as the bridge between manufacturing and design, embedding early in the design process and developing authoritative design guides that shape future programs from day one. The ideal candidate balances hands-on technical depth in composite manufacturing with strategic vision and has the leadership skills to get us there.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process development
Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.)
Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven results
Proven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturing
Deep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principles
Proficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack-ups
Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teams
Experience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), statistical analysis (Minitab), and ERP/MES systems
Familiarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and aerospace quality systems

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in composite structures for aerospace, eVTOL, or electric aircraft environments
Advanced degree (Master's) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
Experience with aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP certification)
Track record of step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, or cost
Experience with manufacturing facility planning, greenfield/brownfield expansion, and equipment commissioning
Experience developing and publishing DFM handbooks or design guides for engineering organizations

Responsibilities

Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies (AFP, RTM, ATL, in-situ consolidation, etc.) to expand capability and reduce cost
Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demands
Develop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practices
Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting formal manufacturability reviews at key milestones
Advance composite manufacturing methods (layup, resin infusion, autoclave, filament winding) from R&D validation through production-ready scale-up
Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle time
Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers
Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisions
Troubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions
Create work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale-up