Nautilus Defense LLC Process Engineer Pawtucket, RI · Full time

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Rhode Island based Nautilus Defense builds state-of-the-art textile-integrated systems for monitoring high-value assets and their environments. Our technologies enable the broad distribution and interconnection of electronics in textiles without detracting from their mechanical properties. We leverage these technologies to develop systems of immediate value to our customers while continuously advancing their readiness for manufacturing and use at scale.

Nautilus is a small interdisciplinary team structured to facilitate the rapid experimental development of novel integrated systems. Nautilus team members all demonstrate high levels of technical leadership and personal autonomy. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working both independently and as a member of a fast-moving, high-performing team. The ability to define and organize work and navigate technical, operational, and team dynamics is key to success in this position.  

Nautilus is seeking a Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and scale the manufacturing processes that underpin our textile‑integrated systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment and combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands‑on problem‑solving. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to refine process capabilities, transition new technologies from prototyping to production, and ensure our manufacturing workflows are robust, efficient, and ready for growth. This engineer will design, document, and improve process steps, implement quality and reliability controls, and support the development of new tooling, automation methods, and training necessary to advance Nautilus’s manufacturing readiness. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Process Development: Design, document, and improve manufacturing process steps to support scaling from prototyping to production. 
• Quality & Reliability Control: Implement quality and reliability controls to ensure manufacturing workflows are robust and efficient. 
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to refine process capabilities and transition new technologies into production. 
• Tooling & Automation Innovation: Develop new tooling, automation methods, and training materials to support manufacturing readiness and capability growth. 
• Project Organization & Planning: Define and organize work by breaking down goals into tasks, establishing schedules, and managing project milestones related to process development. 
• Process Engineering Standards: Build operating procedures and templates for standardizing process engineering work for future opportunities to move prototypes to production 
• Stakeholder Management: Document and communicate work to internal team and executives 
• Risk Management: Raise, manage, and resolve risks and issues amongst project members 
• Supplier and Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with the supply chain department and principal investigator to manage schedules, communication, and reporting with vendors and partner 
• Quality and Compliance: Ensure relevant regulations, compliance policies, company policies, and industry standards such as IPC are followed  
• Continuous Improvement of Project and Program Management: Assess, develop, and improve project processes and procedures for management and technical duties. 

Preferred Skills and Experience:  

• Strong communication skills 
• 5+ years experience in process or product development for soft electronics or advanced materials 
• Proven ability to develop new fabrication techniques or product architectures 
• Familiarity with flexible electronics, conductive textiles, and hybrid integration 
• Excellent organization and documentation skills 
• R&D and manufacturing capability development experience 
• Understanding of high‑tech contract manufacturing (electrical, mechanical, software components) 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMS, simulation, ERP, and project tools 
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, work independently, and meet milestones 
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills 
• Professional and constructive attitude 
• Engineering degree or equivalent experience 
• Experience in compliance‑oriented environments (preferred)