Manufacturing Workflow Automation & AI Consultant (US-Remote)

About the role

Lightsout CNC is an early-stage precision aerospace contract machine shop launching in Hawthorne, California. The company is building a modern, software-enabled manufacturing operation focused on automation, digital traceability, compliance readiness, and efficient lights-out production. The team is currently evaluating and implementing its core workflow and software stack across secure file intake, quoting, CNC programming, ERP/QMS, production monitoring, accounting, and AS9100D / ITAR readiness.

What You’ll Do

• Review the current and planned quote-to-cash / job-to-ship workflow.
• Pressure-test selected software tools and identify gaps, risks, overlaps, or better-fit alternatives.
• Recommend practical workflow automation opportunities across intake, quoting, documentation, routing, production visibility, and back-office operations.
• Evaluate where AI-enabled tools or rules-based automation could improve efficiency without over-engineering the process.
• Advise on how workflows and systems should support AS9100D and ITAR / export compliance readiness.
• Work directly with the founder and internal CNC programmer to understand the operating model and priorities.
• Deliver clear, practical recommendations and a prioritized action plan.
• Support early implementation where appropriate, depending on scope and fit.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with workflow/process automation in manufacturing, industrial operations, or other complex operational environments.
• Practical familiarity with AI-enabled tools, automation platforms, or modern software workflows.
• Experience evaluating software stacks, workflow design, or systems decisions for lean or early-stage teams.
• Familiarity with compliance-sensitive workflows, ideally AS9100D, ITAR, aerospace manufacturing, export controls, or quality/documentation-heavy environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical recommendations into clear business impact.
• Comfort working directly with a founder in a fast-moving, early-stage environment.

Helpful Experience

• CNC / CAM workflow familiarity.
• Experience with machine shops, aerospace suppliers, or precision manufacturing.
• Familiarity with tools such as Prevail, UpTool, Mastercam, VERICUT, ProShop ERP, MachineMetrics, QuickBooks Online, or similar systems.
• ERP, MES, QMS, or production-monitoring workflow experience.
• API, webhook, Zapier, Make, or lightweight middleware experience.
• Experience with AI-assisted quoting, AI-assisted documentation, or manufacturing workflow automation.