Rebuilding the arsenal of American manufacturing

Blackbird Orbit is rebuilding the industrial backbone of modern defense manufacturing.

We develop advanced metal and ceramic forming technologies that convert traditionally machined or cast components into scalable domestic production.

Our work sits at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing engineering, and national defense. We focus on enabling high-performance components for aerospace, naval, and expeditionary systems while restoring resilient American manufacturing capacity.

You will work on materials and manufacturing technologies that directly affect the future of American defense manufacturing. Our team operates close to the hardware, and the work moves quickly from concept to real parts.

This role offers the opportunity to shape core materials technology inside a growing advanced manufacturing company.

Blackbird Orbit is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and support advanced manufacturing systems used in next-generation metal and ceramic forming processes.

This role will work across equipment design, tooling development, and production process optimization. The Mechanical Engineer will help translate materials and manufacturing concepts into reliable hardware systems capable of producing high-performance components for defense applications.

You will work closely with materials scientists and manufacturing engineers to design tooling, fixtures, and process equipment that enable scalable net-shape production of complex components.

Support development and optimization of manufacturing equipment including molding systems, furnaces, and material handling systems.

Develop mechanical designs using CAD and produce drawings suitable for fabrication and machining.

Work directly with materials and process engineers to integrate materials science concepts into manufacturable hardware solutions.

Support prototype builds, testing, and process development for new manufacturing technologies.

Troubleshoot mechanical systems and manufacturing equipment to improve reliability and performance.

Assist with design for manufacturability (DFM) of components intended for injection molding and powder-based manufacturing processes.

Support the development of new manufacturing systems that replace legacy casting or machining processes.

Document designs, test results, and process improvements.

Work hands-on with shop equipment, prototype hardware, and manufacturing systems.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Strong mechanical design experience using CAD software.

Experience designing mechanical systems, fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing equipment.

Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, forming, molding, or powder-based manufacturing.

Ability to translate engineering concepts into practical mechanical designs.

Strong troubleshooting and hands-on engineering skills.

Comfort working in a fast-moving hardware development environment.

Experience with injection molding, powder metallurgy, or powder-based additive manufacturing.

Experience with tooling or fixtures for production processes.

Experience working with high-temperature systems such as furnaces or thermal processing equipment.

Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or industrial manufacturing environments.

Experience supporting prototype development or early-stage manufacturing systems.

Ownership of problems from concept through hardware.

Engineers and scientists who prefer working with real equipment over purely theoretical work.

Clear communication of complex technical ideas.

Curiosity, persistence, and a bias toward action.

Interest in rebuilding domestic manufacturing capability.

Due to the nature of our work and applicable export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual). 

Blackbird Orbit is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.