Spacecraft Mechanical Production Engineer (Senior-Lead)

YOUR MISSION

We are revolutionizing spacecraft systems and are searching for candidates passionate about hands-on engineering and advancing new technologies in space. As a Senior/Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Production Engineer, you will own production engineering strategy and execution for mechanical structures and mechanism systems across multiple spacecraft programs. You will build scalable manufacturing processes, lead and develop production engineering teams, and partner with design engineering to drive manufacturability from concept through high-rate production. This role requires deep technical expertise, proven leadership in production environments, and the ability to build systems and teams that scale. 

Level and compensation will be determined based on experience, technical depth, leadership capability, and scope of prior manufacturing programs owned. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and mentor a team of spacecraft mechanical production engineers, providing technical guidance, production metrics, skill development, and performance management. 

• Own the production engineering strategy and execution for mechanical structures and mechanism systems to achieve cost, rate, and quality targets for low and high rate production. 

• Drive technical reviews with design engineering and make critical go/no-go production engineering decisions to ensure design is manufacturable. 

• Own the setup and scaling of manufacturing factory capabilities for developmental programs and rate production. 

• Develop technical documentation and work instructions for the assembly, integration, and test of structures, mechanisms, deployables, and related ground support equipment and tooling. 

• Directly support production on the floor to ensure efficient build of mechanical structures and mechanism systems, addressing bottlenecks and non-conformances, and troubleshooting technical issues as needed. 

• Drive continuous improvements and corrective actions to increase efficiency and reliability of mechanical hardware manufacturing by utilizing production metrics. 

• Drive engagement with Supply Chain on vendor management, supplier qualification and development, and make/buy strategies for mechanical hardware 

• Oversee calibration and certification of mechanical ground support equipment including fixtures, lifting devices, and test equipment. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace engineering or related field. 

• Experience in manufacturing engineering for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems commensurate with the level of responsibility. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to influence design decisions, drive cross-functional alignment, and present technical information to diverse audiences. 

• Experience with PLM, MES, configuration and data management controls and systems.  
• Experience working to AS9100 process and standards.  
• Hands-on experience with mechanical component fabrication, assembly, and testing including precision drilling, fastening, bonding, composite layup, CNC machining, welding, additive manufacturing, and surface treatment processes 
• Experience building and producing classified hardware in SCIF’s or SAP facilities.   

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Experience in design, manufacturing, testing, and integration of spacecraft mechanical structures and mechanism systems (e.g., structures, fairings/panels, mechanisms, deployables, separation systems).  

• Experience in selecting and commissioning equipment to enable production 

• Expertise in at least one mechanical manufacturing domain: composites, metallics, CNC machining, bonding, additive manufacturing, drilling, fastening, welding, tooling, vehicle structural integration, precision alignment, interface control. 

• Expert-level understanding of AS9100
• Background in spacecraft mechanical or structural environmental and qualification testing (vibration, acoustic, thermal)

COMPENSATION 

Base Salary: 

• $140,000-$175,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Long Beach, CA. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite