Role description

Airframe Manufacturing Engineer

Astro Mechanica YC W24

TypeFull-time

SenioritySenior

Salary$150,000–$190,000

LocationSan Francisco, CA

Posted10/19/2026

Other

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

You're an engineer with a solid understanding of composite materials and manufacturing techniques, able to rapidly develop a manufacturing process from the ground up to turn engineering data into real hardware. You thrive in a hands-on, interdisciplinary environment where seamless collaboration with design, production, quality, supply chain and all other supporting teams is critical to achieving success. You're excited about building an aircraft manufacturing line from scratch and partnering closely with our manufacturing leaders to build a next-generation aircraft factory.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Help establish and scale Astro Mechanica’s airframe manufacturing operations, including facilities, equipment, tooling, and processes.
Take end-to-end ownership of manufacturing process development and structural hardware delivery, from initial concept through production.
Partner with engineering teams to translate designs and requirements into executable manufacturing plans.
Drive composite fabrication, structural assembly, and integration activities to support development milestones.
Develop and continuously improve manufacturing processes, tooling, workflows, and documentation.
Work hands-on with production teams to troubleshoot issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure build quality.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support manufacturing execution, quality, and scalability.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

5+ years of experience in composite manufacturing, structural fabrication, or aerospace manufacturing.
Experience developing and implementing manufacturing processes for complex structures and assemblies.
Strong understanding of composite materials, manufacturing methods, tooling, and assembly techniques.
Experience supporting new product development, from initial design through completed hardware.
Experience establishing or scaling manufacturing operations.
Proficiency in CAD, engineering drawings, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

NICE TO HAVE:

Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and manufacturing software systems.
Experience with aircraft or spacecraft integration and large-scale structural assemblies.

Relevant archetypes

Apply on Ashby

Company info

Astro Mechanica

Supersonics for the new Jet Age.

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

Private company Series A YC W24Hiring fast

Founded2021