Forward Deployed Integration Engineer
Job Summary
We are seeking a Forward Deployed Integration Engineer to embed directly at newly acquired precision machine shops and lead their transformation into modern, data-driven aerospace and defense operations. This hands-on role combines shop floor leadership, lean manufacturing expertise, and change management to accelerate post-acquisition integration cycles. As a key change agent, you will build trust with machinists and plant leadership while deploying standardized systems that improve performance for critical programs supporting major defense and space customers.
Essential Functions
- Serve as the primary on-site representative during the full 9-month post-acquisition integration period, building relationships across shop floor teams, plant leadership, and corporate stakeholders
- Manage the end-to-end flow of aerospace and defense components through planning, raw material processing, machining, inspection, and post-delivery resolution
- Lead deployment of lean manufacturing principles including 5S, Kanban, and visual management while integrating standardized operating systems with existing shop ERP platforms
- Perform hands-on manufacturing assessments to establish baseline OEE, identify equipment gaps, and determine root causes of quality issues or schedule delays
- Translate shop floor observations into data-driven recommendations, capital expenditure justifications, and executive updates for leadership and investment teams
- Drive cultural and operational change by earning operator buy-in rather than mandating top-down initiatives
Required Qualifications
- 3-7 years of hands-on experience in machine shop or manufacturing engineering environments
- Demonstrated success leading change management initiatives and securing buy-in from shop floor teams
- Must be a U.S. Person due to ITAR requirements
- Strong technical knowledge of GD&T with ability to explain concepts such as runout and recommend appropriate machine selection
- Expert proficiency in at least one core discipline: CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, lean manufacturing, or metrology
- Experience working at startups, small machine shops, or new-space/defense suppliers rather than only large legacy organizations
- Willingness to be based in Denver or Seattle or travel 80 percent or more to support integration sites
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience at seed or Series A stage hardware startups or early-stage SpaceX-like environments
- Familiarity with ERP systems in a high-mix, low-volume job shop setting
- Background in aerospace or defense part manufacturing including rockets, missiles, or maritime components
- Participation in hands-on engineering activities such as Formula SAE or university rocketry projects
- Proven ability to influence without direct authority in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Technical Skills
- CNC Milling and Turning
- 5-Axis Mill-Turn Operations
- GD&T Application
- CAD/CAM Programming (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
- CMM Programming and Metrology
- G-Code Development
- ERP System Utilization in Job Shops
- Lean Manufacturing Tools (5S, Kanban, Visual Management)
- Six Sigma Principles
- AS9100 Quality Standards
- ITAR Compliance
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field. Hands-on project experience through Formula SAE, college rocketry programs, or similar applied engineering activities is highly valued.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range of $140,000 to $175,000 depending on experience, plus equity participation in a well-funded growth company. Comprehensive benefits package is offered.