Crew Chief

About Mach Industries Founded in 2023, 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 350 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 Mach Industries is seeking a Crew Chief to serve as the primary operational owner and technical authority for an assigned autonomous aircraft or vehicle family. The Crew Chief is responsible for the condition, configuration, maintainability, and deployment readiness of the asset. The Crew Chief answers the fundamental questions surrounding vehicle readiness: Is the vehicle healthy? Is it configured correctly? Is it maintainable? Can it survive another deployment? Should this aircraft fly? You will work directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Flight Test, Flight Operations, and Logistics to prepare vehicles for testing and deployment, resolve technical issues, coordinate repairs, and improve vehicle reliability. This is a hands-on role requiring both deep familiarity with the assigned vehicle and the judgment to make clear, risk-informed readiness recommendations. Candidates who demonstrate the broader organizational leadership capabilities described in the Preferred Qualifications may be considered at the Principal level. Key Responsibilities Vehicle Ownership and Readiness Own the condition, configuration, maintenance, and operational readiness of assigned vehicles Determine whether an aircraft is properly configured, maintainable, and ready for continued test or deployment Conduct or oversee vehicle checkout, systems testing, inspection, preflight, and post-flight activities Maintain awareness of open discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, limitations, and readiness risks Make clear recommendations regarding whether an aircraft should fly Escalate risks that cannot be resolved within established procedures or available authority Maintain assigned vehicles in a condition that supports rapid testing and deployments Configuration and Documentation Maintain configuration control for assigned vehicles and supporting equipment Verify that installed hardware and software match the approved vehicle configuration Ensure maintenance, inspection, repair, and configuration records are accurate and current Develop and improve vehicle checkout processes, checklists, and work instructions Ensure configuration changes and maintenance actions are properly communicated across the team Support technical documentation and configuration reviews Troubleshooting and Repair Isolate faults and lead structured troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, avionics, propulsion, and integrated vehicle systems Perform or coordinate field repairs and return-to-service activities Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure recurring problems are elevated to the appropriate engineering or quality teams Coordinate with Manufacturing and Engineering on repairs, rework, non-conformances, and process improvements Identify whether issues are isolated hardware failures, configuration problems, process deficiencies, or broader design concerns Quality and Process Improvement Initiate, track, and support the resolution of non-conformances affecting assigned vehicles Coordinate regularly with Quality regarding vehicle condition, recurring defects, open actions, and corrective measures Identify improvements to vehicle design, maintainability, inspection, checkout, and repair processes Support first-article builds and the transition of prototype hardware into repeatable operational products Provide field and maintenance feedback to Engineering and Manufacturing Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into procedures, training, and future builds Tools, Equipment, and FOD Control Maintain accountability for tools, test equipment, spares, and vehicle-specific support equipment Establish and enforce foreign-object-debris controls around assigned vehicles Verify vehicle and equipment packouts before tests and deployments Ensure fueling equipment, launch systems, maintenance equipment, and other support assets are serviceable Identify vehicle-specific spare parts, tooling, and support-equipment requirements Test and Deployment Support Lead the technical preparation of assigned vehicles for flight tests, customer demonstrations, and deployments Coordinate vehicle setup, checkout, launch preparation, and post-flight inspection Support domestic and international field deployments Coordinate with Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers regarding mission requirements and vehicle availability Communicate vehicle limitations, readiness risks, and maintenance requirements to operational leadership Support readiness reviews and provide an accurate assessment of vehicle status Technical Leadership Provide technical direction to Field Drone Technicians working on assigned vehicles Assign and review vehicle maintenance, inspection, checkout, and preparation tasks Train technicians on approved maintenance and checkout procedures Establish clear standards for workmanship, documentation, tool control, and vehicle care Contribute to operator training materials and vehicle manuals Serve as the primary point of contact for questions regarding assigned vehicle condition and configuration Required Qualifications  Significant hands-on experience maintaining, integrating, testing, or operating aircraft, unmanned aircraft, robotics, prototype vehicles, or comparable electromechanical systems Demonstrated ability to independently own the readiness of a complex vehicle or asset Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, avionics, structural, and integrated vehicle systems Working knowledge of propulsion systems and their associated inspection and maintenance requirements Experience performing field repairs on aircraft, vehicles, robotics, or comparable systems Experience troubleshooting complex technical problems and performing structured root-cause analysis Experience working with prototype or developmental vehicles Experience supporting first-article builds, integration activities, or new vehicle configurations Experience developing or improving vehicle checkout processes, checklists, or work instructions Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and technical documentation Familiarity with 3D CAD tools such as Siemens NX or an equivalent platform Experience working within configuration-control, quality, or nonconformance processes Ability to determine whether equipment is safe, properly configured, maintainable, and ready for operation Ability to direct the work of technicians and maintain accountability for vehicle readiness Strong technical communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills Sound judgment and willingness to delay or stop an operation when the vehicle is not ready Ability to travel frequently and support multi-day deployments in field conditions Ability to meet applicable security, export-control, and customer-access requirements Preferred Qualifications  Candidates demonstrating most of the following may be considered for the Principal Crew Chief level: Experience leading or managing Crew Chiefs, aviation maintainers, field technicians, or comparable technical personnel Demonstrated ability to establish ro