Manufacturing CAD & Development Engineer

About this Role:

• Develop and sustain manufacturing processes supporting satellite assembly, integration, test (AIT), and launch activities.
• Design, analyze, release, and maintain manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) using CAD tools.
• Review spacecraft designs and manufacturing methods to identify risks, constraints, and opportunities for Design for Excellence (DFX) improvements.
• Create, review, and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manufacturing documentation, and GSE operating manuals.
• Participate in manufacturing-readiness reviews and production-planning activities.
• Investigate manufacturing, tooling, and process-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, supply chain, facilities, and production teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
• Support technician training through the development of manufacturing documentation and standardized processes.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to increase production throughput, quality, safety, and scalability.
• Contribute to the development of cleanroom layouts, manufacturing workstations, and production equipment setups.
• Support the industrialization of spacecraft products and help establish manufacturing capabilities that enable production at scale.

Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, mechanical equipment, or manufacturing support hardware using CAD software.
• Proficiency with one or more CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, CATIA, or AutoCAD.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, machining methods, and material selection.
• Experience creating technical documentation, work instructions, manufacturing procedures, or operating instructions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate manufacturing issues and drive corrective actions.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Hands-on engineering mindset with a willingness to work directly with hardware and production systems.
• Strong ownership mentality and comfort operating in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, automotive, robotics, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) operations.
• Familiarity with aerospace and manufacturing standards such as NASA, ECSS, ISO, MIL, IPC, J-STD, or ESD requirements.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience with PFMEA, process validation, risk assessment, or manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Environmental testing experience, including vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, or shock testing.
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems, robotics, or industrial automation.
• Knowledge of lifting operations, rigging, cranes, forklifts, or other manufacturing support equipment.
• Previous experience in a startup environment.
• Passion for space systems and spacecraft manufacturing.