Front Door Defense

Forward Deployed Engineer

Lead on-site deployment and optimization of RoboCraftsman cells at customer facilities

Location: Dayton, Ohio, United States

Compensation: $115,000 - 145,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet. Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on. If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Machina Labs, you are our 'boots on the ground', the dedicated technical lead embedded at customer sites to ensure our RoboCraftsman systems perform as designed in real-world manufacturing environments. Embedded on-site, you will support the deployment and operation of RoboCraftsman cells, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, validate system performance, and drive continuous improvements based on real-world production feedback.

You will serve as the primary interface between the customer and Machina's engineering teams, translating real-world production challenges into actionable feedback for our Product, Hardware, Software, and Process Engineering groups, and bringing solutions back to the factory floor.

The role begins with immersive training at Machina Labs HQ, where you will master our RoboForming process, the RoboCraftsman platform, and our internal software stack alongside our Engineering and Production teams. Following training, you will transition to a long-term on-site assignment supporting a customer deployment in Ohio.

What You'll Do

• Lead Technical Execution at Customer Sites
• Analyze and modify CAD models to ensure compatibility with the RoboForming process.
• Use Machina's software stack to convert CAD models into toolpaths for execution on RoboCraftsman cells.
• Support customer production programs by analyzing RoboForming process data and 3D scan results to assess part quality and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Design and execute structured experiments (DOE) to optimize forming parameters and toolpath strategies for customer applications.
• Work autonomously, make informed decisions with incomplete data, and rapidly iterate based on results.
• Document processes, experiments, results, and analyses to drive continuous improvement across Machina's engineering teams.
• Maintain Cell Performance and Production Readiness
• Oversee day-to-day operation of customer-site RoboCraftsman cells, ensuring reliable performance and production output.
• Support customer operators and technicians by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and training.
• Develop and release manufacturing procedures and work instructions tailored to customer workflows.
• Test and validate hardware and software upgrades prior to production deployment.
• Maintain detailed records of process changes, validation activities, and system improvements.
• Serve as the Interface Between Customer and Machina
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between the customer and Machina engineering teams.
• Surface issues, coordinate investigations, and drive resolution across Product, Software, Manufacturing Engineering, and Robotic Process Engineering teams.
• Partner closely with internal teams to incorporate customer learnings into product and process roadmaps.
• Contribute to technical discussions with customer stakeholders to ensure projects remain aligned, successful, and on schedule.

What We're Looking For

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, robotics, automation, prototyping, or related engineering environments.
• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with CAM workflows, toolpath generation, CNC programming, robotics, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience designing, testing, and implementing manufacturing process improvements, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience using data to drive technical decisions.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments, making rapid decisions, and adapting to changing customer and production needs.
• Hands‑on experience in manufacturing, machine shop, prototyping, or production environments.
• Prior experience in a customer‑facing technical role (forward‑deployed, field engineering, applications engineering, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with industrial robotics platforms (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, etc.).
• Experience with metrology, 3D scanning, or inspection systems.
• Knowledge of GD&T and precision measurement principles.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to complete several months of training at Machina Labs HQ in California before transitioning to a long-term customer‑site deployment.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Machina Labs is an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.

We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.