Manufacturing Engineer

DESE Research is seeking talented and driven Manufacturing Engineers to support a rapidly growing space thruster manufacturing line in Huntsville, AL. These thrusters will play a critical role in spacecraft control on orbit and during lunar landings. As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will be responsible for the development, implementation, and optimization of thruster hardware manufacturing processes. Your work will help identify, develop, and deploy methods to improve fabrication quality while optimizing throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing work instructions to clearly define processes including: receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment.

• Manage cost, quality, build sequence, and schedule of hardware throughout the manufacturing process.

• Review engineering drawings and provide final approval for manufacturing.

• Develop process control measures and evaluate them through statistical analysis.

• Define and support repair and rework activities.

• Design, procure, install, and integrate custom manufacturing equipment.

• Collaborate with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure hardware and equipment are manufactured, processed, packaged, and delivered properly, on time, and within budget.

• Perform capacity analysis for manufacturing equipment and processes.

• Lead root cause analyses when non-conformances are identified and deploy corrective actions.

• Design appropriate material handling and packaging to protect hardware throughout build and test phases.

• Manage hardware configuration and maintain pedigree throughout the entire build and test process.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct hardware manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience (e.g., castings, forgings, additive manufacturing, welding, machining, cleaning, non-destructive testing methods, tight tolerance assembly, leak testing, final acceptance testing of integrated hardware, and Manufacturing Execution Systems/Software).

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university.

• 1+ year of experience working in an environment utilizing CAM or other CNC programming software.

• 3+ years of experience with GD&T fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing.

• 3+ years of experience with lean systems and methodologies.

• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.

• Proven track record of completing manufacturing projects including design for manufacturability, cycle time reduction, and mistake-proofing systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with building flight hardware.

• Experience with design, development, or production of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or satellites.

• Proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (Creo, NX, or CATIA V5).

• Strong background with fabrication special processes (machining, grinding, forging, casting, welding, forming, rolling, etc.).

• Experience working with hard and exotic metals.

Security Clearance Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

About DESE

For the past 43 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. As a small, family-oriented business, DESE provides a compelling benefits package including a generous profit-sharing plan, competitive salaries, and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex and engaging problems.

Why employees love working for DESE:

At DESE, we are committed to creating a company that is known for its respect and care for employees. We understand that happy employees are what keeps our business going and we strive to provide the best opportunities for each individual working on our team! Here are a few reasons you will love working here:

• Competitive health, dental and vision insurance with affordable premiums

• Flexible work schedules

• Two different flexible spending account options

• Company paid life…