Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling

About Machina Labs 
Machina Labs was founded in 2019 to redefine how the world manufactures. Based in Los Angeles, we are pioneering the software-defined factories of the future—where advanced robotics and artificial intelligence replace rigid tooling and enable rapid, flexible production at any scale. 
Our mission is simple yet transformative: unlock manufacturing and unconstrained innovation. By developing modular robotic forming systems, we empower industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense to design, prototype, and produce with unprecedented speed, efficiency, and sustainability. 
Backed by leading deep-tech investors, including NVIDIA’s NVentures, Innovation Endeavors, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, Machina Labs is building the first commercial robotic sheet metal forming machines—creating a future where manufacturing is as agile and adaptive as software. 
Every day, we work side by side with some of the world’s most innovative organizations to solve their toughest challenges and accelerate the pace of progress. At Machina Labs, we’re not just building robots; we’re reshaping entire industries. 
Join us as we bring the factory of the future to life! 
About the Role
The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in creating the internal manufacturing procedures, specifications, documenting processes, and developing manufacturing methods that provides standard work in the Production Department. The Manufacturing Engineer will deploy continuous improvement methods leveraging lean methodologies to reduce waste.    This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the successful candidate must be a "U.S. person" as defined in the ITAR and EAR (which generally means (i) be a citizen or national of the United States; or (ii) be a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (iii) have been admitted to the United States as a refugee, or have been granted asylum, as specified under applicable law. 

What You'Ll Do:

• Design production-ready tooling: quick-change nests, soft jaws, vacuum plates, clamps, and AWS D17.1-informed weld fixtures (purge dams/manifolds, chill blocks, heat sinks, ceramic backing). 
• Establish datum strategies and poka-yoke features for foolproof loading, minimal distortion, and consistent weld penetration.  
• Create robotic forming and welding fixtures (turntables/positioners, EOAT, torch mounts) with clear routing for cables, gas, and sensors. 
• Produce fully-detailed SolidWorks models/drawings (weldments, sheet metal, configurations, exploded views, BOMs) to ASME Y14.5 with clean GD&T and tolerance stacks. 
• Release tool designs through PDM/MRP, generate BOMs, routings, and standard work/work instructions for the floor.
• Run basic FEA/deflection checks (SolidWorks Simulation or equivalent) to validate stiffness and locate supports/clamps. 
• Support build/prove-out: fit checks, on-floor tweaks, parameter windows, and design revisions via ECR/ECO. 
• Source and manage outside fabricators/machine shops; verify capability, cost, and schedule. 
• Maintain a tooling standards library (locating hardware, De-Sta-Co/pneumatic/hydraulic clamping, sensors, safety interlocks). 

What We'Re Looking For:

• B.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience). 
• 3+ years designing fixtures/jigs for machining and/or welding in aerospace/defense or similar high-spec manufacturing.
• Expert SolidWorks: parts/assemblies, drawings, weldments, sheet metal, configurations, design tables, PDM.
• Strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up skills; designs that are CMM-friendly and inspection-ready.
• Practical knowledge of AWS D17.1 considerations (joint prep, purge, distortion control) and thin-wall metallic assemblies.
• Hands-on shop familiarity: machining processes, fastening, alignment, metrology (calipers, height gages, indicators), safe ergonomics.
• Comfortable releasing through MRP/ERP, generating BOMs, and writing clear work instructions. 

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with robotic welding/forming fixtures, EOAT, positioners, and torch/nozzle accessibility. 
• Materials know-how for tooling: aluminum, steel/SST, tool steels, etc. 
• Knowledge of vacuum work-holding, pneumatic/hydraulic clamping, prox/reed sensors, and safety interlocks. 
• Exposure to **AS9100/NADCAP 

Machina Labs is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law. 
We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.