Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight‑proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the establishment and maturation of our manufacturing processes for satellite components and rocket launch systems. This leader will build a manufacturing‑centric operational culture, driving efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement from the ground up. The ideal candidate will be a hands‑on leader with a passion for building robust, flexible systems that can scale with a rapidly evolving product line.

• Process establishment and optimization:
  • Design, develop, and implement scalable and repeatable manufacturing processes for the production of highly complex and precise satellite and rocket components.
  • Oversee the entire manufacturing engineering function, including facilities layout, equipment selection, tooling, and process controls.
• Manufacturing documentation:
  • Establish and enforce rigorous standards for the conversion of Engineering Bills of Materials (eBOM) into comprehensive Manufacturing Bills of Materials (mBOM).
  • Create and maintain detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures, and visual aids for all assembly and integration processes.
• Technician training and development:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive training system for assembly technicians to ensure consistent and high‑quality manufacturing practices.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth within the team.
• MES implementation and management:
  • Lead the selection, implementation, and integration of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to manage and track real‑time production data.
  • Ensure seamless data flow between MES, ERP, and other enterprise systems to drive automation and visibility.
• Continuous improvement (CI) and Lean manufacturing:
  • Instill and champion a culture of continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including Kaizen events, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for all process‑related non‑conformances and quality issues.
• Performance metrics and quality culture:
  • Develop and deploy key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve manufacturing processes across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
  • Establish a “quality first” culture, ensuring adherence to stringent aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements.
• Product and process flexibility:
  • Build agile and flexible manufacturing systems that can effectively track and deploy product improvements and engineering changes.
  • Partner with design and advanced manufacturing engineering teams to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT).

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within an aerospace, automotive, or similarly regulated and high‑precision industry.
• At least 2 years of experience in a leadership or management role.
• Proven experience in setting up new manufacturing processes and scaling production.
• Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong experience with MES/ERP system implementation and integration.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a quality‑first culture and manage quality systems.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to export control regulations.
• Experience in a rapidly scaling, high‑volume production environment.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt).
• Hands‑on experience with complex electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Experience with PLM software and the eBOM-to‑mBOM transition process.

The pay range for this role is: $,800

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary…