Soft Materials Technician
About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
As a Soft Materials Technician, you’ll fabricate, seam, assemble, and finish soft material structures that make up our unmanned defense systems. You’ll work with polymers, films, and fabrics, using welding equipment to create vehicles and subassemblies.
You’ll support both rapid prototypes (where experimentation and iteration are essential) and production builds (where repeatability and precision drive mission success). You’ll work closely with engineers and fellow technicians to translate designs into reliable, lightweight, high-performance flight hardware.
Key Responsibilities
Seam, assemble, and finish soft material components using RF, hot air, impulse, and wedge welding processes.
Fabricate vehicles and substructures from polymers, films, laminates, and coated fabrics.
Set up, operate, and tune welding equipment to achieve consistent, high-quality welds across varying materials and geometries.
Cut and trim welded assemblies to tight dimensional and quality requirements.
Conduct in-process inspections of weld quality, seam strength, and dimensional accuracy; identify defects and rework as needed.
Support prototype builds: adapting welding methods, experimenting with parameters, iterating with engineers, and documenting lessons learned.
Assist with production builds: following controlled work instructions, ensuring repeatability, and meeting takt time.
Handle sensitive materials and maintain clean work environments to prevent contamination.
Maintain welding equipment, tooling, and fixtures; report wear, calibration issues, and support continuous improvement.
Uphold safety, quality, and documentation standards consistent with defense hardware requirements.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
1+ years of hands-on experience welding or fabricating soft materials, polymers, or coated fabrics (aerospace, industrial textiles, inflatables, automotive, or similar fields).
Experience operating RF, hot air, impulse, or wedge welding equipment (Miller Weldmaster experience strongly preferred).
Proficiency with hand tools, cutting tools, and basic measuring equipment.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
Comfortable wearing full PPE and working around heat-based welding equipment.
Accustomed to working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment where quality is mission-critical.
Physical capability to lift 25+ lbs, stand and/or sit for long periods, and manipulate large flexible assemblies.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience fabricating large-area soft structures such as balloons, bladders, inflatables, or flexible tanks.
Experience with Miller Weldmaster equipment.
Background in prototype or R&D environments where processes are not fully defined.
Familiarity with seam testing, leak testing, or destructive/non-destructive evaluation of welded joints.
Knowledge of aerospace or defense quality standards and documentation practices.
Cross-training in related areas such as composites, coatings, textiles, or mechanical assembly.
Experience supporting both development and production manufacturing environments.
Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!