CalTek Staffing , Inc.
Job Description
Title: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (Pre-preg)
Type: Direct Hire/W-2 Benefited/On-site
Location : Mountain View, Ca. Area
Compensation: $130,000-$170,000 /yr.
Company & Position Summary:
At CalTek Staffing is seeking a driven Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join an electric aircraft OEM developing a next-gen platform for consumer and specialized applications as they prepare to expand their critically integrated manufacturing operations. This role requires someone with a solid foundation in composites fabrication techniques, particularly with pre-preg and wet layup applications, who is comfortable driving tooling strategies, overseeing supplier collaboration, and championing process optimization efforts. The individual will act as a technical liaison between design engineering and the production floor, providing hands-on leadership in launching complex composite projects from the ground up.
Key Functions:
Title: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (Pre-preg)
Type: Direct Hire/W-2 Benefited/On-site
Location : Mountain View, Ca. Area
Compensation: $130,000-$170,000 /yr.
Company & Position Summary:
At CalTek Staffing is seeking a driven Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join an electric aircraft OEM developing a next-gen platform for consumer and specialized applications as they prepare to expand their critically integrated manufacturing operations. This role requires someone with a solid foundation in composites fabrication techniques, particularly with pre-preg and wet layup applications, who is comfortable driving tooling strategies, overseeing supplier collaboration, and championing process optimization efforts. The individual will act as a technical liaison between design engineering and the production floor, providing hands-on leadership in launching complex composite projects from the ground up.
Key Functions:
- Spearhead manufacturing initiatives for composite airframe structures, from early-stage planning through full-scale production.
- Develop and validate production methods for composite parts with a focus on hands-on fabrication techniques and process scalability.
- Design, refine, and qualify tooling concepts and molds to support precision builds.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance design-for-manufacturability (DFMA) across projects.
- Implement process improvements that enhance repeatability, reduce cost, and mitigate defects.
- Oversee build partners and fabrication vendors to ensure product quality and schedule adherence.
- Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting build challenges and providing rapid resolution.
- Support junior team members and foster a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
- Enforce quality standards with robust inspection protocols and root-cause analysis for non-conformance issues.
- Stay informed on advancements in composite manufacturing processes, materials, and tooling technologies.
- Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or a related field; advanced degrees are valued.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience leading composite manufacturing projects.
- Deep understanding of fabrication processes including pre-preg, wet layup, vacuum bagging, autoclave/oven curing.
- Strong background in tooling design and composite mold fabrication.
- Practical experience working with CAD platforms (CATIA/3DX preferred) for tool and part design.
- Capable of driving supplier engagement and managing external fabrication resources.
- Effective problem-solver with a collaborative mindset and strong attention to detail.
- Experience working in a high-mix, fast-paced manufacturing environment is a plus.