Principal Manufacturing Technician

**Please Note: ** To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are looking to add a Principal Manufacturing Technicianto our team. In this role, you will perform the organization's most advanced assembly, integration, inspection, and testing activities for complex products and assemblies. This role contributes to manufacturing operations by resolving the most challenging production issues, optimizing manufacturing processes, mentoring manufacturing personnel, and ensuring products satisfy engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production requirements.

Working cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, production control, and supply chain teams, the Principal Manufacturing Technician supports manufacturing activities throughout the production lifecycle.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform advanced assembly, integration, and testing of the organization's most complex mechanical and electrical products using engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures.
• Develop manufacturing approaches by optimizing assembly methods, tooling, production workflows, and work instructions for complex products.
• Resolve highly complex manufacturing, assembly, tooling, and production issues to maintain product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and production capability.
• Perform advanced visual, dimensional, and functional inspections using precision measuring equipment and inspection tools.
• Validate first article inspections, complex in-process inspections, and completed products to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Review production documentation, inspection records, nonconformances, and corrective actions to support manufacturing quality and product traceability.
• Provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Technicians and production teams on assembly methods, tooling, manufacturing procedures, inspection techniques, and production practices.
• Support new product introductions, manufacturing process improvements, engineering investigations, equipment qualifications, and production readiness activities.
• Mentor manufacturing personnel while promoting consistent manufacturing practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee manufacturing procedures, safety requirements, quality standards, and company policies throughout production operations.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods, tooling, workflows, and production processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, manufacturing efficiency, and operational performance.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree, technical certification, formal occupational training, military training, or equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing technology, industrial technology, electronics technology, mechanical technology, or a related technical field. 7+ years of related experience in manufacturing, production assembly, mechanical assembly, electronics assembly, or related production operations.
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanical assembly, electrical assembly, engineering drawings, and production practices.
• Extensive experience with advanced assembly techniques, manufacturing equipment, tooling, inspection methods, and process optimization.
• Comprehensive understanding of quality systems, manufacturing documentation, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead highly complex manufacturing operations while balancing quality, productivity, production schedules, cost, and operational efficiency.
• Exercises sound judgment while resolving the organization's most complex production challenges and providing technical leadership to manufacturing teams.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Manufacturing equipment, test equipment, and production systems used to support assembly and manufacturing operations.
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP systems, and electronic work instruction applications, e.g. Epicor, SAP, Solumina, or equivalent applications.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.