Soft Materials Technician

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.
• Support 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.
• Comfortable 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.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Pay Range $26—$34 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you're not just accepting a job-you're becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

Data Privacy

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.

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.