Job Description
Job Description
BUILD THE VEHICLES THAT SHOW UP WHEN IT MATTERS
Flyer Defense builds the light tactical vehicles that U.S. special operations forces and allied militaries rely on in the world’s most demanding environments. Our platforms are engineered in Los Angeles, proven in theater, and fielded globally. As a Manufacturing Engineer I, you’ll be the engineer who turns how we build into clear, repeatable instructions—documenting assembly methods, building work instructions and routings, and helping launch production lines across vehicle, component, and aftermarket programs.
This is a hands-on, floor-facing role for an early-career engineer who wants to learn the craft of manufacturing engineering by doing it. You’ll work alongside senior engineers and technicians, follow established Flyer Defense procedures, and have the latitude to define new ones where a project calls for it.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Document the build. Write and maintain assembly instructions, troubleshooting guides, routings, and line-launch procedures that technicians use on the floor every day.
- Create training material. Develop clear, accurate work instructions and training content according to Flyer Defense standards and program requirements.
- Support the floor. Confer with technicians and operators on methods and best practices, and apply their feedback to drive corrective action and improve instructions.
- Keep the data clean. Maintain product and process databases; enter and organize manufacturing data accurately.
- Juggle the work. Manage multiple projects across multiple programs, working to existing procedures and creating bespoke ones where a project needs them.
- Partner up. Consult with Lead Design and Managing Engineers on special-project execution and methodology.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- 1–3 years of product or manufacturing engineering experience in automotive, powersport, or defense (light tactical vehicles a plus).
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field—or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Familiarity with CAD, including 3D models and 2D print interpretation.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to work across teams to move a project forward.
- Working knowledge of mechanical installation, repair, troubleshooting, and calibration practices, plus general machine and fabrication operations.
- Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, hands-on shop environment.
- Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee).
NICE TO HAVE
- Familiarity with Siemens NX and Teamcenter PDM.
- Exposure to ERP systems and general database management.
- Experience with Adobe FrameMaker or other technical-documentation tools.
- Prior work on automotive or truck components and their manufacturing processes.
- Experience operating in cross-functional or matrixed program environments.
- Genuine enthusiasm for powered vehicles, off-road, or motorsports
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Base salary: $76,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; company-paid holidays.
Location: On-site at our Los Angeles headquarters, Monday through Friday. This is a full-time, in-person role.
Flyer Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with federal law, we will not discriminate against applicants for inquiring about or disclosing compensation. This position requires access to information controlled under ITAR; candidates must qualify as a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62. Pursuant to the CCPA/CPRA, personal information collected during the application process is used solely for employment-related purposes. Employment with Flyer Defense is on an at-will basis as permitted by California law.
Company DescriptionFlyer Defense LLC was formed in 2000 to provide mission specialized, lightweight, off-road wheeled tactical vehicles capable of internal transport in rotary and tilt wing aircraft.
The Flyer family of successfully tested and certified Advanced Light Strike Vehicles are interoperable and interchangeable (high degree of commonality), thus enabling mission, focus and role to be customized, all from the two base vehicle width architectures for immediate operational and/or combat relevance configuration.
Company Description
Flyer Defense LLC was formed in 2000 to provide mission specialized, lightweight, off-road wheeled tactical vehicles capable of internal transport in rotary and tilt wing aircraft.\r\n\r\nThe Flyer family of successfully tested and certified Advanced Light Strike Vehicles are interoperable and interchangeable (high degree of commonality), thus enabling mission, focus and role to be customized, all from the two base vehicle width architectures for immediate operational and/or combat relevance configuration.