About the job
Mach Industries, founded in 2022 and based in Huntington Beach, develops autonomous defense platforms for the United States and allied partners. The company brings together a team of about 220 people, blending startup adaptability with a focus on scalable, decentralized defense systems. Its mission is to advance national security through rapid innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Role overview
The Soft Structures Engineer will take a leading role in designing and developing lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms. This position guides vehicle architecture, oversees structural integrity, selects materials, and manages pressure dynamics for balloon-based systems. The work covers the full product lifecycle, from early concepts through to flight-ready hardware. Hands-on problem-solving with soft materials, high-performance fabrics, and pressurized systems is a key part of the job.
What you will do
- Design balloon envelopes, including geometry, material selection, and structural layout.
- Analyze both pressurized and unpressurized systems for stress, creep, fatigue, and potential failure.
- Ensure designs are suitable for manufacturing, addressing seaming, patterning, joining, and production methods.
- Plan and carry out ground and flight testing to validate models and enable rapid iteration.
- Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing teams to integrate envelope systems into complete vehicles.
- Develop internal tools and frameworks for simulation, sizing, and performance prediction.
- Drive development cycles from prototype through deployment, supporting fast progress from design to field use.

