Approach Venture
Lead Mechanical Automation Engineer
Approach Venture, El Segundo, California, United States, 90245
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Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent Lead Mechanical Automation Engineer - Join a Fast-Growing Startup Advancing Next-Generation Manufacturing! El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary A rapidly scaling hardware startup is developing breakthrough manufacturing systems that enable high-performance composite structures to be produced at significantly faster speeds and lower cost. The team is expanding its automation capabilities to support high-volume production for critical applications across aerospace, defense, and energy. As the Lead Mechanical Automation Engineer, you will design and develop the mechanical systems that drive automated manufacturing. You will translate complex manual steps into scalable mechanical mechanisms, own CAD design and build packages, and work hands-on to prototype and validate new equipment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys creating mechanisms from scratch, thrives in an iterative hardware environment, and wants to build advanced automation systems.
About Us We are an emerging technology company focused on reinventing how advanced composite components are manufactured. Our proprietary process supports rapid production of intricate structures while maintaining high performance and consistency. The team operates in a fast-paced environment where mechanical design, automation, and manufacturing intersect daily, and where engineers have a direct impact on production technology used across multiple programs.
Job Duties Mechanical Design and Prototyping
Lead CAD design for automated assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical subsystems
Create complete mechanical build packages including drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and documentation
Develop early prototype mechanisms that evolve into production ready systems
Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to improve accuracy, reliability, and throughput
Automation System Development
Convert manual process steps into scalable mechanical automation concepts
Integrate actuators, sensors, motion components, and electromechanical assemblies
Support prototyping efforts by assembling, testing, and refining hardware
Troubleshoot systems on the shop floor to ensure performance and uptime
Manufacturing Integration
Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and technicians to adapt processes for automation
Develop equipment interfaces that prioritize usability, safety, and long term reliability
Optimize mechanical systems to meet production targets and reduce operator burden
Technical Leadership
Provide guidance during design, prototyping, and equipment builds
Support long term automation planning and system architecture decisions
Contribute to future equipment scaling strategies and capability development
Qualifications
3+ years designing mechanical systems for automated equipment or manufacturing environments
Strong CAD proficiency with experience producing detailed assemblies and drawings
Experience using GD&T, DFM, DFA, and high tolerance mechanical design practices
Demonstrated ability to bring mechanical concepts through fabrication, assembly, and testing
Hands on comfort with electromechanical hardware, wiring, sensors, and system debugging
Ability to rapidly prototype low cost mechanical concepts that mature into production systems
Strong communication and collaboration across mechanical, manufacturing, and controls teams
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
Preferred Experience
5+ years in automation development or custom machinery design
Background in composite manufacturing or equipment such as presses, ovens, or thermal systems
Experience developing motion systems such as linear rails, actuators, or gantries
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high reliability manufacturing environments
Exposure to integrating sensors, controls hardware, or robotics into mechanical designs
Why Join Us
Build foundational automation and mechanical capabilities for a growing startup
Work on end to end development: concept, design, prototype, and production
Significant ownership and influence over future automation strategy
Fast paced environment where ideas quickly turn into deployed hardware
Stock options
Paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
401k with company match
Compensation Details $140,000 - $220,000
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Management, Manufacturing, and Engineering
Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Robot Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Approach Venture by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Direct message the job poster from Approach Venture
Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent Lead Mechanical Automation Engineer - Join a Fast-Growing Startup Advancing Next-Generation Manufacturing! El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary A rapidly scaling hardware startup is developing breakthrough manufacturing systems that enable high-performance composite structures to be produced at significantly faster speeds and lower cost. The team is expanding its automation capabilities to support high-volume production for critical applications across aerospace, defense, and energy. As the Lead Mechanical Automation Engineer, you will design and develop the mechanical systems that drive automated manufacturing. You will translate complex manual steps into scalable mechanical mechanisms, own CAD design and build packages, and work hands-on to prototype and validate new equipment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys creating mechanisms from scratch, thrives in an iterative hardware environment, and wants to build advanced automation systems.
About Us We are an emerging technology company focused on reinventing how advanced composite components are manufactured. Our proprietary process supports rapid production of intricate structures while maintaining high performance and consistency. The team operates in a fast-paced environment where mechanical design, automation, and manufacturing intersect daily, and where engineers have a direct impact on production technology used across multiple programs.
Job Duties Mechanical Design and Prototyping
Lead CAD design for automated assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical subsystems
Create complete mechanical build packages including drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and documentation
Develop early prototype mechanisms that evolve into production ready systems
Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to improve accuracy, reliability, and throughput
Automation System Development
Convert manual process steps into scalable mechanical automation concepts
Integrate actuators, sensors, motion components, and electromechanical assemblies
Support prototyping efforts by assembling, testing, and refining hardware
Troubleshoot systems on the shop floor to ensure performance and uptime
Manufacturing Integration
Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and technicians to adapt processes for automation
Develop equipment interfaces that prioritize usability, safety, and long term reliability
Optimize mechanical systems to meet production targets and reduce operator burden
Technical Leadership
Provide guidance during design, prototyping, and equipment builds
Support long term automation planning and system architecture decisions
Contribute to future equipment scaling strategies and capability development
Qualifications
3+ years designing mechanical systems for automated equipment or manufacturing environments
Strong CAD proficiency with experience producing detailed assemblies and drawings
Experience using GD&T, DFM, DFA, and high tolerance mechanical design practices
Demonstrated ability to bring mechanical concepts through fabrication, assembly, and testing
Hands on comfort with electromechanical hardware, wiring, sensors, and system debugging
Ability to rapidly prototype low cost mechanical concepts that mature into production systems
Strong communication and collaboration across mechanical, manufacturing, and controls teams
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
Preferred Experience
5+ years in automation development or custom machinery design
Background in composite manufacturing or equipment such as presses, ovens, or thermal systems
Experience developing motion systems such as linear rails, actuators, or gantries
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high reliability manufacturing environments
Exposure to integrating sensors, controls hardware, or robotics into mechanical designs
Why Join Us
Build foundational automation and mechanical capabilities for a growing startup
Work on end to end development: concept, design, prototype, and production
Significant ownership and influence over future automation strategy
Fast paced environment where ideas quickly turn into deployed hardware
Stock options
Paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
401k with company match
Compensation Details $140,000 - $220,000
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Management, Manufacturing, and Engineering
Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Robot Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Approach Venture by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr