Los Angeles, CA  •  Full-Time, On-Site (Mon–Fri)  •  $120,000–$140,000 DOE

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 III, you’ll own the processes that take these vehicles from drawing to delivery- working across production, component engineering, and aftermarket programs with the autonomy to design the right process for the job.

This is a hands-on, cross-functional role for an engineer who wants to see their work roll out the bay door, not sit in a PLM queue. You’ll juggle multiple programs, partner with vendors and technicians directly, and have real latitude to shape how things get built here.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Own the process. Develop, document, and continuously improve manufacturing methods across vehicle assembly, component fabrication, and aftermarket programs- drawing on product design, materials, tooling, and assembly expertise.
• Engineer for quality. Design test methods and quality standards; validate processes against program requirements and applicable regulations to protect product integrity.
• Plan the build. Estimate production times, staffing, and material costs; translate schedules into labor and material forecasts that leadership can act on.
• Partner with suppliers. Work directly with equipment and component vendors on specifications, process research, and equipment modifications.
• Support the floor. Train and guide technicians, answer manufacturing engineering questions across the org, and keep product and process databases accurate.
• Close the loop. Prepare reports and trend analyses; confer with engineering, management, and program teams on manufacturing capability and capacity.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 5–8 years of manufacturing or product engineering experience in automotive, powersport, or defense (light tactical vehicles a big plus).
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field- or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong proficiency in NX CAD (3D modeling and 2D print interpretation) and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and how they support a manufacturing operation.
• Solid command of hardware specifications, manufacturing quality, and product development fundamentals.
• Clear communicator who can move between engineering, production, program management, and vendors without dropping the ball.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee).

NICE TO HAVE

• Teamcenter PDM and Infor ERP experience.
• 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: $120,000–$140,000 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.

Equal Opportunity & Pay Transparency: 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.

California Privacy & At-Will Employment: 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.

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.

The Flyer family of successfully tested and certified Ad