Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Role Overview

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer provides technical leadership for the development, validation, and sustainment of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) supporting spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AIT).

The individual establishes technical direction for manufacturing development activities, ensuring manufacturing solutions meet program requirements while balancing quality, schedule, cost, safety, and scalability. Working closely with Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, Test Engineering, Production, Quality, and Program Management, the role ensures manufacturing readiness is achieved before hardware enters production.

Beyond technical execution, the Lead Engineer mentors junior engineers, develops team capability, promotes engineering best practices, and creates a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and Design for Excellence (DFX) initiatives.

Roles & Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and support Manufacturing CAD & Development Engineers.
• Assign and prioritize engineering activities to meet project milestones.
• Promote engineering best practices, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Support technical reviews and provide guidance on engineering decisions.

Manufacturing Technical Leadership

• Develop and standardize manufacturing processes and engineering documentation.
• Apply Design for Excellence (DfX) principles to improve manufacturability and production efficiency.
• Define manufacturing strategies that support production scalability and product quality.
• Ensure manufacturing solutions meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives.

Tooling & MGSE Development

• Lead the design, development, validation, and lifecycle management of tooling, fixtures, and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).
• Ensure tooling solutions are production-ready and support assembly, integration, and testing activities.
• Coordinate fabrication, procurement, and qualification of manufacturing tooling.

Manufacturing Readiness

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new products and programs.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, tooling, facilities, documentation, and resources are available before production.
• Identify manufacturing risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and production readiness assessments.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause investigations for manufacturing issues and non-conformances.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, safety, and cycle time.
• Use manufacturing metrics and data to identify improvement opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Engineering, AIT, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Program Management teams.
• Support supplier and customer technical discussions related to manufacturing activities.
• Ensure manufacturability considerations are incorporated throughout product development.
• Contribute to successful program execution from development through production.

Must-Have Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading technical engineering teams or manufacturing development activities.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production documentation.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DfM), Design for Assembly (DfA), and Design for Excellence (DfX) principles.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in satellite Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) or aerospace manufacturing.
• Proficiency with one or more CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM, Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo, or AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of aerospace and space industry standards such as NASA, ECSS, ISO, MIL-STD, IPC, or J-STD.
• Experience designing or supporting MGSE, tooling, fixtures, and Test/EGSE.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Knowledge of machining processes, manufacturing methods, and material selection.
• Certification, knowledge, or practical experience working with heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts, lifting devices, or rigging operations.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

Good-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing readiness or production readiness reviews.
• Experience supporting low-volume to high-volume production transitions.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, or smart manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Familiarity with ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience working with external suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping technologies.
• Project management or technical program leadership experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience working in a fast-paced space or aerospace startup environment.
• Familiarity with configuration management and engineering change processes (ECR/ECO/ECN).
• Understanding of risk management methodologies such as FMEA and PFMEA.
• Experience with qualification, verification, and validation of manufacturing tooling and equipment.