Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing development and improvement for advanced electro-optical space systems .

This individual will translate engineering designs into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes and work closely with mechanical, electrical, optical, systems, quality, supply chain, and production teams. Responsibilities include factory-floor development, process design, work instructions, tooling, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement.

The role will also support nonconformance and corrective action activities , including NCCR, and may contribute to the implementation and improvement of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) .

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering for assembly, integration, inspection, and test of electro-optical space hardware.
• Develop manufacturing processes, assembly sequences, routings, inspection points, and production controls.
• Create and maintain work instructions, travelers, manufacturing plans, and process documentation.
• Partner with design engineering to provide DFMA feedback and identify manufacturing risks.
• Design or specify tooling, fixtures, equipment, and assembly aids.
• Help develop factory-floor layouts, work cells, material flow, and production areas.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues directly with technicians and engineering teams.
• Participate in NCCR, nonconformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Improve manufacturing quality, yield, throughput, cycle time, and repeatability.
• Support prototype, qualification, and flight hardware through production.
• Help transition products from development into repeatable manufacturing.
• Support configuration control, traceability, and production documentation.
• Mentor manufacturing personnel and establish manufacturing best practices.
• Support MES implementation and improvement, including electronic work instructions, routings, traceability, and production data collection.

Requirements

Basic

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with complex electromechanical, optical, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes and production documentation.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with nonconformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, BOMs, configuration control, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Strong cross-functional communication and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing factory layouts, production cells, and capacity plans.
• Experience with MES, ERP, PLM, or digital manufacturing systems.

Preferred

• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with technical leadership responsibilities.
• Experience manufacturing spacecraft, payloads, satellites, or electro-optical systems.
• Experience with precision optical, optomechanical, or cleanroom assembly.
• Experience with low-volume, high-complexity flight hardware.
• Familiarity with AS9100, NASA, IPC, or related aerospace standards.

Benefits

• Fast paced, energetic startup culture, where you'll learn a lot, have great impact, and have fun doing it
• 401k, Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (with prior approval), for Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays
• Stock Option Plan participation, based on performance and tenure
• Salary range $120-180k