About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022 Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing innovation at speed and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach is building the next generation of autonomous defense systemsdesigned manufactured and deployed at speed. Our team operates at the intersection of hardware software and mission execution to deliver scalable decentralized capabilities that deter conflict and strengthen allied advantage.

We are seeking an Soft Structures Engineer to lead the design analysis and development of our lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms. This role sits at the core of our vehicle architectureowning the structural material and pressure-driven behavior of balloon-based systems from concept through flight.

You will work hands-on with soft materials high-performance fabrics and pressurized systems translating first-principles physics into manufacturable flight-ready hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design of balloon envelopes including geometry material selection and structural architecture.

• Perform detailed analysis of pressurized and unpressurized systems including stress creep fatigue and failure modes.

• Design for manufacturability including seaming patterning joining methods and production constraints.

• Develop and execute test campaigns (ground flight) to validate models and iterate rapidly.

• Work cross-functionally with mechanical and manufacturing teams to integrate envelope systems into full vehicles.

• Build internal tools and frameworks for simulation sizing and performance prediction.

• Drive rapid iteration cycles from prototype to deployment in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with soft goods / flexible structures (e.g. fabrics membranes composites inflatables parachutes sails balloons etc.)

• 1 years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on designing and prototyping mechanical systems (can be in a professional hobby or academic setting)

• Strong skills in 3D modeling and CAD tools (e.g. NX SolidWorks etc.) for mechanical design and iteration.

• Experience with programming languages (e.g. python MATLAB C) for analytical modeling simulation and engineering problem-solving.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience owning hands-on end-to-end hardware development efforts (e.g. FSAE DBF Rocket Team or similar projects).

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in high-altitude or atmospheric systems.

• Familiarity with textile engineering coatings or permeability/diffusion modeling.

• Experience designing for extreme environments (thermal UV pressure cycling).

• Knowledge of seaming bonding and joining techniques (RF welding heat sealing adhesives stitching) and their structural implications.

• Experience modeling or testing membrane structures under load including wrinkling creep and long-term deformation

• Familiarity with coatings and barrier layers including permeability gas retention and environmental degradation (UV moisture temperature cycling)

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience education and training critical skills and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Machs total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance retirement plans and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race color creed religion sex gender identity sexual orientation national origin disability uniform service Veteran status age or any other protected characteristic per federal state or local law including those with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If youd like to defend the American way of life please reach out!

Required Experience:

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