Lead Manufacturing Engineer
TRL11 · Irvine · $120,000–$180,000 (stated in the posting)
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