Manufacturing Workflow Automation & AI Consultant (Canada-Remote)

About Lightsout CNC

Lightsout CNC is an early-stage precision aerospace contract machine shop launching in Hawthorne, California. The company is building a modern, software-enabled manufacturing operation focused on automation, digital traceability, compliance readiness, and efficient lights-out production.

The team is currently evaluating and implementing its core workflow and software stack across secure file intake, quoting, CNC programming, ERP/QMS, production monitoring, accounting, and AS9100D / ITAR readiness.

About the Role

Lightsout CNC is looking for a consultant to help review and pressure-test its planned software stack, workflow design, AI/automation opportunities, and compliance-readiness approach before making larger software and implementation commitments.

This is not a hands-on CNC programming role. Lightsout CNC already has strong CNC/CAM programming expertise internally. The ideal consultant should be fluent enough in manufacturing workflows to understand the environment, collaborate with the internal programmer, and advise on how software, automation, and compliance decisions should fit together.

Engagement Details

• The initial engagement is expected to be approximately 20–40 hours, with 10–20 hours/week of availability. 
• The first priority is reviewing the workflow and software stack, identifying risks or gaps, and recommending practical next steps.
• There may be an opportunity to expand into implementation support or ongoing advisory work after the initial review.

What You’ll Do

• Review the current and planned quote-to-cash / job-to-ship workflow.
• Pressure-test selected software tools and identify gaps, risks, overlaps, or better-fit alternatives.
• Recommend practical workflow automation opportunities across intake, quoting, documentation, routing, production visibility, and back-office operations.
• Evaluate where AI-enabled tools or rules-based automation could improve efficiency without over-engineering the process.
• Advise on how workflows and systems should support AS9100D and ITAR / export compliance readiness.
• Work directly with the founder and internal CNC programmer to understand the operating model and priorities.
• Deliver clear, practical recommendations and a prioritized action plan.
• Support early implementation where appropriate, depending on scope and fit.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with workflow/process automation in manufacturing, industrial operations, or other complex operational environments.
• Practical familiarity with AI-enabled tools, automation platforms, or modern software workflows.
• Experience evaluating software stacks, workflow design, or systems decisions for lean or early-stage teams.
• Familiarity with compliance-sensitive workflows, ideally AS9100D, ITAR, aerospace manufacturing, export controls, or quality/documentation-heavy environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical recommendations into clear business impact.
• Comfort working directly with a founder in a fast-moving, early-stage environment.

Helpful Experience

• CNC / CAM workflow familiarity.
• Experience with machine shops, aerospace suppliers, or precision manufacturing.
• Familiarity with tools such as Prevail, UpTool, Mastercam, VERICUT, ProShop ERP, MachineMetrics, QuickBooks Online, or similar systems.
• ERP, MES, QMS, or production-monitoring workflow experience.
• API, webhook, Zapier, Make, or lightweight middleware experience.
• Experience with AI-assisted quoting, AI-assisted documentation, or manufacturing workflow automation.