Head of Process and Equipment Engineering

We’re working with a well-funded advanced manufacturing company that is reinventing how critical metal parts are made in the U.S. Their approach combines automation, software, and materials breakthroughs to unlock faster, more cost-effective production at scale.

They’re now looking for a Head of Process & Equipment Engineering — a senior leader who will be foundational in shaping the company’s engineering culture and building out core manufacturing capabilities. This role offers significant ownership, direct impact on the company’s growth trajectory, and meaningful equity.

Due to ITAR-compliance, candidates must be US citizens at the time of application. This is a full time, onsite position in El Segundo, CA.

What makes this compelling:

• The company is tackling a once-in-a-generation challenge: modernizing U.S. manufacturing.
• You’d own a core engineering function, from building the team to defining best practices.
• It’s a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on problem-solving.
• The chance to take processes from prototype through production scale.
• Strong financial backing and executive commitment to engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and scale the Process & Equipment Engineering team.
• Lead process development, root cause analysis, and design-for-manufacturing in a highly automated environment.
• Partner with leadership on technical strategy aligned with business goals.
• Oversee project prioritization, resource allocation, and delivery timelines.
• Define KPIs and manage budget, vendors, and partner relationships.
• Champion innovation and execution across engineering.

Key Requirements:

• 10+ years in aerospace/manufacturing engineering, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience managing large capital projects and automated production systems.
• Deep technical knowledge of process development and production environments.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, cross-functional, high-growth settings.
• Familiar with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP, etc.).

Bonus points for:

• Experience with investment casting, vacuum melting & casting, heat treatment, or ceramics.
• SLA printing expertise.
• Prior 0?1 facility or production line build-outs.
• Background in high-growth, tech-driven startups.