Winding Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and expansion of our internal motor manufacturing operations. This role will lead our motor manufacturing from initial equipment bring-up through serial production. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with hands-on execution to optimize processes and ensure scalable, high-quality output.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, layouts, and workflows for brushless DC (BLDC) motor assembly
• Production Tooling & Automation: Specify, procure, and maintain specialized production equipment (e.g., stator winding machines, magnet insertion fixtures, dynamic balancers, and automated soldering stations)
• Quality & Yield Improvement: Analyze production defects, determine root causes of motor failures (such as shorts, bearing noise, or unbalance), and implement corrective actions to maximize yield
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Create and maintain detailed work instructions, tooling documentation, and quality control checklists for assembly technicians
• DFM (Design for Manufacturing): Collaborate closely with the R&D/Design team to ensure next-generation motor designs are optimized for scalable, cost-effective, and repeatable mass production
• Vendor & Supply Coordination: Work with suppliers to ensure the quality and consistency of incoming raw materials (e.g., Japanese NSK/NMB bearings, Neodymium magnets, high-purity copper wiring, and aluminum bells)

You should have the following

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3 years minimum of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally directly involving electric motors, rotating machinery, or high-precision electromechanical assembly
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of brushless motor architecture (stators, rotors, magnetic circuits, KV ratings)
• Hands-on experience with precision winding techniques and balancing equipment
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Inventor) for designing jigs, fixtures, and line layouts
• Methodologies: Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis)
• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with both line operators and executive leadership

Nice to Have

• Experience managing equipment vendors, particularly Mandarin-speaking suppliers
• An established network of industry contacts for automation equipment, tooling, and metal component sourcing
• Ability to work independently with a high level of ownership while maintaining clear and effective communication with cross-functional teams

US Salary Range

$149,500 - $209,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.