Propulsion Program Planner
Mach Industries · San Luis Obispo, CA · 4 days ago
On-siteProject ManagementFull-time
About the role
Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. Founded in 2022, our mission is to enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies through scalable, decentralized defense systems. We operate with startup agility and ambition, and our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security.
Key Responsibilities
- Own cradle-to-grave planning and execution of propulsion hardware and subsystem builds from design release through manufacturing, testing, and integration.
- Partner closely with Engineering and Design teams to translate technical requirements, drawings, specifications, and BOMs into actionable manufacturing and build plans.
- Develop and maintain integrated schedules, material readiness plans, and program tracking tools to support development and production milestones.
- Cook up supplier activities for precision-machined components, castings, forgings, thermal systems, high-temperature materials, and rotating turbomachinery hardware.
- Evaluate manufacturing capabilities, lead times, production capacity, and supplier readiness to support program objectives.
- Monitor hardware status, identify schedule risks, and drive mitigation plans to ensure successful program execution.
- Lead material readiness reviews and coordinate build requirements across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
- Support prototype development, qualification testing, New Product Introduction (NPI), and transition-to-production activities.
- Drive supplier performance improvements related to delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost efficiency.
- Manage engineering changes, configuration updates, and material impacts throughout the hardware lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with ITAR, aerospace quality requirements, and internal documentation standards.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage material visibility, planning activities, and program status reporting.
- Support long-term sourcing strategies, supplier development initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across propulsion programs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or related technical discipline; or equivalent industry experience.
- 3+ years of experience supporting aerospace, propulsion, defense, advanced manufacturing, or complex hardware development programs.
- Experience working with technical drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering documentation, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing methods, including machining, fabrication, castings, forgings, and mechanical assemblies.
- Experience coordinating activities across engineering, design, manufacturing, and external suppliers.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting jet engines, propulsion systems, turbomachinery, or rotating hardware programs.
- Familiarity with high-temperature alloys, thermal systems, and advanced aerospace materials.
- Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid development programs, and NPI initiatives.
- Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace quality standards.
- Familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFARS, and government defense contracting requirements.
- Experience supporting engine testing, hardware qualification, or capital equipment programs.
- Background in supplier development, manufacturing operations, production planning, or program management.