{"id":2482532,"url":"https://alion.io/job/aerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies","title":"Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Space Technologies","company":{"id":176366,"name":"AeroVironment","domain":"avinc.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/aerovironment","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":81,"open_postings":27,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.778,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":36,"computed_at":"2026-11-05T05:54:30Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Albuquerque, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":91000,"max":138750,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":138750},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"AS9100","optional":false},{"name":"GD&T","optional":false},{"name":"Microsoft Office","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-13T23:17:05Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-13","last_verified_at":"2026-11-05T04:25:30Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":22,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":22},"description":"Worker Type\nRegularJob Description\nSummary\nThe Space Tech Senior Manufacturing and Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, qualifying, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes for precision optical and electromechanical systems intended for space applications. Products include fast steering mirrors (FSMs), delicate optical components, optical bench assemblies, and integrated optical systems requiring controlled assembly, alignment, and performance verification.\nThis role serves as a technical lead within Manufacturing Engineering, partnering with Design Engineering, Optical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Test Engineering to translate product requirements into repeatable production processes. The engineer will lead process development and continuous improvement, support research and development and new product introduction, resolve complex production issues, and mentor engineers and manufacturing personnel while improving quality, yield, cost, safety, and delivery.\nPosition Responsibilities\nDevelop, document, validate, and sustain assembly, integration, alignment, and test processes for space optical systems, precision optomechanical assemblies, and fast steering mirrors.\nLead manufacturing readiness activities from prototype development through design transfer, qualification builds, and production transition; identify process maturity gaps and implement closure plans.\nReview designs for manufacturability, assembly, alignment access, inspection, testability, serviceability, and cost; address tolerance stacks, datum strategies, and sensitivity to handling and assembly variation.\nEstablish methods for handling, cleaning, protecting, packaging, and storing delicate optics and coated surfaces; define contamination, foreign object debris (FOD), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) controls appropriate to the hardware.\nDevelop controlled bonding and curing processes, including surface preparation, adhesive mixing and dispensing, bond-line control, fixturing, shimming, cure parameters, and witness coupons or other verification methods as required.\nDevelop FSM assembly processes for mirrors, mounts, flexures, actuators, coils, sensors, wiring, and cables; control polarity, cable routing, keep-out zones, flexure protection, and repeated handling during adjustment. \nPartner with Optical and Test Engineering to establish alignment sequences, metrology setups, reference datums, adjustment methods, and acceptance criteria for optical and electromechanical performance. \nDevelop repeatable measurement and test methods for applicable requirements, such as mirror flatness, surface figure, wavefront error, boresight, line-of-sight stability, range of motion, pointing accuracy, repeatability, and dynamic response.\nCreate and maintain controlled work instructions, process specifications, standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, travelers, assembly aids, bills of material, routings, and tooling requirements.\nDesign or coordinate precision fixtures, alignment tooling, optical handling aids, gauges, and test equipment; ensure production aids protect hardware and support repeatable assembly and inspection.\nSupport equipment selection, installation and operational qualification, performance qualification where required, calibration, measurement-system assessment, and preventive maintenance planning.\nEstablish process parameters, in-process inspection points, acceptance criteria, traceability requirements, and production controls; maintain process failure mode and effects analyses (PFMEAs) and associated control plans.\nInvestigate nonconformances, optical performance degradation, bond failures, alignment drift, yield losses, and process escapes; lead structured root-cause analysis and verify corrective-action effectiveness.\nAnalyze process and test data to identify variation, constraints, rework drivers, and capacity needs; apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other appropriate improvement methods.\nSupport first article inspections, capability studies, process validation, qualification testing, and production readiness reviews; assess alignment and functional performance before and after environmental testing as required.\nPartner with Quality Engineering on material review board activities, inspection methods, corrective actions, and disposition support; evaluate rework methods for effects on optical surfaces, bonds, and alignment.\nSupport supplier development and qualification of optics, coatings, precision-machined hardware, adhesives, electromechanical components, and outsourced processes; translate requirements into receiving and acceptance controls.\nAssess manufacturing impacts of design, material, chemistry, tooling, software, and process changes; define supporting data, requalification needs, documentation updates, and implementation tasks.\nDevelop training using mock-ups, representative hardware, and practical demonstrations; mentor Manufacturing/Process Engineers I and II and train technicians in optical handling, assembly, alignment, and process discipline.\nParticipate in design reviews, risk assessments, production readiness reviews, and program reviews; communicate manufacturing risks, recovery plans, and readiness status.\nEnsure manufacturing processes meet applicable engineering, quality, safety, environmental, and program requirements; support urgent production troubleshooting and perform other duties as assigned.\nBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Competencies)\nBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.\nTypically 3-7 years of relevant manufacturing or process engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.\nDemonstrated experience developing and sustaining processes for precision optical, optomechanical, or complex electromechanical products and assemblies.\nHands-on experience with delicate component handling and precision assembly, alignment, metrology, or performance testing.\nExperience with new product introduction, production transition, design for manufacturability, and cross-functional technical projects.\nWorking knowledge of controlled bonding, cleanliness, contamination prevention, precision tooling, and process verification applicable to optical hardware.\nStrong knowledge of root-cause analysis, corrective action, process capability, and continuous-improvement methods.\nExperience creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation and product traceability in a controlled environment.\nAbility to interpret engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), specifications, bills of material, and test requirements. \nStrong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills; ability to work effectively with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers. \nProficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent productivity tools.\nU.S. citizenship is required.\nAbility to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.\nOther Qualifications & Desired Competencies\nExperience manufacturing space-flight optical hardware, fast steering mirrors, beam steering mechanisms, optical payloads, or precision pointing systems.\nExperience with optical alignment and metrology tools such as interferometers, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, coordinate measurement systems, and optical power or beam measurement instruments.\nExperience with FSM actuator and sensor integration, flexure assemblies, dynamic characterization, and collaboration with controls and test teams. \nFamiliarity with thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and environmental stress screening (ESS), including performance verification and alignment retention across test exposures. \nExperience with cleanroom operations, optical cleaning, adhesive qualification, cure verification, and material selection for contamination-sensitive or vacuum applications.\nExperience with ERP, MRP, MES, PLM, or manufacturing document-control systems, including Factory Logix or comparable platforms.\nExperience with CAD and the design of precision assembly, alignment, handling, and test fixtures. \nExperience with automation, automated data collection, test scripting, or manufacturing systems integration.\nExperience in aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment; familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and applicable IPC workmanship requirements.\nCore Competencies\nPrecision optical and electromechanical process development \nDesign for manufacturability, assembly, alignment, and test \nContamination control and delicate optics handling\nStructured problem solving and quality ownership \nProcess validation, risk management, and continuous improvement \nData analysis and technical decision-making \nCross-functional collaboration and clear technical communication\nMentoring, technician training, and knowledge transfer\nPhysical Demands and Work Environment\nAbility to work in office, engineering laboratory, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments.\nAbility to wear required personal protective equipment, cleanroom garments, and ESD protection.\nAbility to perform or support precision assembly and inspection using microscopes, optical instruments, and production equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.\nAbility to occasionally lift, carry, or manipulate materials and equipment within applicable safety limits, with or without reasonable accommodation.\nAbility to stand, walk, bend, and reach as required by the work, with or without reasonable accommodation.\nAbility to support occasional off-shift or extended-hours production activities.\nTravel may be required based on business needs.\nClearance Level\nNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:\n$91,000 - $138,750AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.\nITAR Requirement:\nThis position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.\nBenefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.\nWe also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.\nPrincipals only need apply. NO agencies please.\nAbout AV:\nAV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.\nWe don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protec...","description_format":"text","description_chars":12979,"description_truncated":true,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":3,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["401k plan"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Drones & UAVs","Military Drones","Defense Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-13T23:17:05Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":55,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.609,"p_room":0.9,"age_days":22,"expected_fill_days":36,"reasons":["conf:1","stale_co","velocity","win:mid","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-11-05T05:54:30Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":138750,"is_top_pay":false},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/aerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/aerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-05T06:48:06Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":8501,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-06T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":176366},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=176366"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Faerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Faerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Faerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/aerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Faerovironment-senior-manufacturing-engineer-space-technologies"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":2482532}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"avinc.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":2482532},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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