Manufacturing Engineer at Swarm Aero (Oxnard, CA)Manufacturing Engineer

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results. The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic. Swarm Aero is looking for a motivated, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to help develop and scale the manufacturing processes behind our next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll work alongside experienced engineers, designers, and technicians to turn aircraft designs into manufacturable hardware. From building prototypes and improving assembly processes to developing tooling and work instructions, you'll help solve the practical challenges of producing aircraft quickly, efficiently, and reliably. This is an opportunity to take ownership early, learn by building, and see your engineering work move from concept to aircraft. We're looking for someone who is curious, resourceful, and excited to solve problems in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Work with design engineers and technicians to improve the manufacturability of aircraft components and assemblies.
• Support the development, testing, and refinement of manufacturing processes for composite and metallic components.
• Design, build, and improve tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, and assembly procedures.
• Identify production bottlenecks, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and implement practical improvements.
• Support prototype builds and help transition new aircraft designs into repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate across engineering, fabrication, and production teams to improve quality, throughput, and build efficiency.
• Get hands-on with hardware, test new ideas, and help turn engineering concepts into flight-ready aircraft.

• Earned a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent practical experience may also be considered.
• Gained experience through internships, academic projects, personal builds, or early-career work involving manufacturing, mechanical design, fabrication, or product development.
• Developed a foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical assemblies, and engineering drawings.
• Used CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or a similar tool through coursework, projects, or professional experience.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through unfamiliar technical challenges.
• Communicated effectively and collaborated with people across different technical disciplines.

What Sets You Apart

• You like to build things, take them apart, and figure out how to make them better.
• You would rather test an idea with real hardware than spend weeks debating it in a meeting.
• You take initiative, ask good questions, and learn quickly from feedback.
• You are comfortable working through ambiguity and adapting when a design or process doesn't work as expected.
• You care about craftsmanship, quality, and getting the details right.
• You want to work on a small team where your contributions are visible and your work has a direct impact.

ITAR requirement To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.

• Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and paid sick leave
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Daily catered lunch (office)
• Paid parental leave
• Direct impact on a critical national security mission
• A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems