Manufacturing Engineer

About Poseidon Aerospace Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft - capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential. As a Manufacturing Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will design and machine the tooling that brings our composite aircraft to life. You'll own the complete process from CAD design through CAM programming to running parts on our mills and routers, delivering functional jigs and fixtures on startup timelines. We need someone who thinks with their hands and can rapidly translate design requirements into precision tooling. Responsibilities Design and deliver tooling, jigs, and fixtures for aircraft assembly and fabrication processesProgram and machine custom tooling components using CAM software and CNC equipmentRapidly prototype manufacturing solutions to support evolving aircraft designs and assembly sequencesConduct first article inspections and dimensional validation of tooling to ensure design intent is metCollaborate with design engineers to provide DFM feedback and influence part designs for improved manufacturabilityDevelop and document assembly procedures, work instructions, and tooling usage guidelinesTroubleshoot and iterate on tooling designs based on real-world assembly feedback from the production floorMaintain and improve existing tooling as aircraft designs evolve through development cycles Ideal Qualifications Proficiency in CAD software (Fusion, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) for designing tooling, fixtures, and jigsHands-on CAM programming experience and ability to machine own parts on vertical mills and multi-axis CNC equipmentStrong understanding of GD&T and ability to apply proper tolerancing to tooling designsKnowledge of composite materials and their unique tooling requirements (layup surfaces, cure tooling, trim fixtures)Experience with metrology equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) and inspection techniquesUnderstanding of design for manufacturing principles and common composite manufacturing processes (layup, bonding, trimming, drilling)Self-directed problem solver comfortable working independently while supporting a small, fast-moving teamAbility to balance speed with precision—knowing when "good enough" is appropriate versus when tight tolerances are critical Nice To Have Experience with Fusion 360 for integrated CAD/CAM workflowHands-on experience with Haas vertical millsGantry-style CNC router programming and operationMulti-axis (4th/5th axis) CAM programming experienceHands-on composite layup or composite trimming experienceWelding experience for fixture fabricationExperience with FDM for rapid tooling prototypes What You Get From Us Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equityRelocation support if applicableEmployee Health Benefit Plans6% Retirement matchingFlexible PTOFree lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our officesAI tools and subscriptions