Manufacturing Specialist

MAKO is putting 'shark skin' on planes to save fuel and reduce emissions.

MAKO’s mission is to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, saving billions in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 every year. We are looking for a Manufacturing Specialist to drive operational excellence, optimise lean initiatives and enhance quality within our advanced manufacturing environment. You will report to the Production Team Lead and be responsible for the end-to-end production lifecycle of MAKO’s products, including training of others, ensuring complete traceability, preserving quality documentation, and providing valuable feedback to the Manufacturing Systems team. The typical hours for this position will be 7AM–3PM, subject to change as our manufacturing requirements evolve.

What You Will Do

• Execute various production processes in accordance with the provided work instructions, compile traceability data, and ensure adherence to manufacturing schedules and priorities.
• Lead the management of non-conformities, ensuring they are appropriately segregated and documented within the Quality Management System (QMS). Draft quality and traceability documentation, and support team members in drafting accurate, compliant non-conformity problem statements. Review peer documentation to ensure QMS compliance.
• Develop and implement lean tools and templates to enhance operational efficiency. Quantitatively monitor and report on the impact of manufacturing initiatives against key targets. Identify and execute opportunities to improve team processes and outputs.
• Lead training for team members in defined processes, ensuring full compliance with MAKO’s QMS. Coach peers on responsibilities and best practices.
• Facilitate discussions, anticipate questions, and provide advice on complex technical issues. Tailor communication styles to suit different audiences, ensuring clarity and effective feedback loops.
• Lead by example in the application of WHS processes. Conduct regular risk assessments, implement appropriate controls, and coach peers on WHS responsibilities and safe work practices.
• Balance competing priorities across projects and guide others on effective prioritization to meet value-adding objectives.

What Success Looks Like

• First Month: Build a deep understanding of MAKO’s production processes, product architecture, Quality Management System, and WHS protocols. Review and learn current manufacturing and quality documentation. Build strong working relationships with the product engineering and Manufacturing Systems teams.
• First Six Months: Take ownership of production workspaces and quality systems, ensuring consistent compliance and organization. Establish clear and regular communication surrounding production health, statistics and schedule compliance. Support coaching and mentorship of team members on best manufacturing practices and QMS requirements.
• First Year: Act as the internal authority on lean manufacturing and QMS excellence, demonstrating measurable improvements in team efficiency. Support the production team through internal and external audits with high compliance standards. Establish a sustainable culture of safety and rigorous adherence to high-quality standard compliance across the facility.

About You

• 5+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment, ideally within a regulated industry (aerospace, automotive, or medical).
• Demonstrated experience working with Quality Management Systems (QMS), including documentation, non-conformity reporting, and audit compliance.
• Demonstrated analytical capability to perform root cause investigations and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Leadership or coaching experience, with the ability to train team members and guide others on effective prioritization.
• Proven track record of implementing lean manufacturing methodologies and driving continuous process improvements.
• Strong commitment to Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), with experience conducting risk assessments and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences.
• You thrive in a fast-moving, ambiguous, and constantly evolving startup environment.

Why You Should Join MAKO

• Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest to abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save millions of tonnes of CO2 every year.
• Technology: Our technology leverages the drag-reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing.
• Team: Our team focuses on achieving our mission. We live our values of lift over drag, active transparency, and changing the boundary conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same.
• Corporate Jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool.

Join a team that is working to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, and build a future where a new surface replaces the need for a new aircraft.