Manufacturing Engineer

Heart Aerospace is an electric aviation company focused on electrifying regional air travel through the development of battery-electric aircraft. The company is designing the ES-30, a 30-seat electric regional aircraft intended to serve short-haul routes with zero CO2 emissions, offering airlines a fundamentally lower-cost operating model compared to conventional turboprop or jet aircraft. Heart Aerospace also operates the X1 experimental aircraft as part of its development program to validate core technologies ahead of the ES-30's entry into service. The company's mission is centered on decarbonizing aviation, starting with regional routes where electric propulsion is most technically and economically viable. By targeting short-distance air travel, Heart Aerospace aims to eliminate direct carbon emissions on these segments while making regional connectivity more affordable for both operators and passengers. The company has secured investment from leading venture capital firms aligned with electrification and decarbonization goals, as well as strategic investments from major airlines that have also signed on as early customers. Heart Aerospace was founded in Sweden and has established a presence in the United States, with its listed address in Torrance, California. The company represents a new generation of aerospace manufacturers betting that advances in battery technology and electric drivetrains can transform commercial aviation, beginning with the regional segment where routes are short enough to make today's battery energy density practical.

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

Your mission

We are seeking a hands-on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to lead key builds for the ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft. As we continue to expand our vertical integration, this role offers a unique opportunity to take full ownership of manufacturing process development, from design to achieving production rate. 

You will play a critical role in Heart’s success, working closely with technicians, design engineers, and supply chain partners to bring complex components and assemblies from prototype to scalable production. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role at the core of our mission to revolutionize regional air travel. 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

 Process Development & Optimization 

• Design and implement scalable manufacturing processes for aircraft structures, propulsion systems, avionics, batteries, and other critical subsystems (multiple roles are open across teams) 
• Develop and optimize workflows to improve build efficiency, quality, and repeatability 
• Proactively identify and resolve production bottlenecks using root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques 

 Tooling & Equipment 

• Design and specify custom tooling, fixtures, and solutions to support precision assembly and fabrication 
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to source or fabricate required equipment 
• Support automation initiatives and ergonomic improvements across the manufacturing floor 

 Prototyping & Production Builds 

• Lead the execution of prototype builds and transition processes into low- and high-rate production 
• Work closely with technicians on first article builds, ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable methods 
• Implement in-line quality checks and provide real-time troubleshooting during assembly 

 Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Design Engineering to drive DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability/Assembly) feedback 
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies by assessing supplier capabilities, and managing outsourcing timelines and budgets to ensure program alignment 
• Ensure quality is built into the product by defining clear inspection criteria and implementing fast, cost-effective corrective actions 

 Documentation & Standards 

• Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
• Contribute to the development of manufacturing standards and best practices as the company scales 
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality requirements 

 Skills & Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience) 
• 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment (internship or co-op experience counts) 
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)  
• Strong understanding of materials, GD&T, machining, welding, composites, and/or assembly techniques 
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in design, quality, and production 
• Bias toward action, attention to detail, and a passion for hands-on problem-solving 

 These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, eVTOL, or electric propulsion manufacturing 
• Exposure to high-voltage systems, thermal management, or battery integration