Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer; AIT- Permian Basin, TX

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer (AIT) to join a high‑impact team supporting the production, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft hardware for a next‑generation satellite constellation. This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical, focused on manufacturing processes, build optimization, and quality assurance for aerospace assemblies rather than mechanisms design.

• Execute and optimize build processes for spacecraft hardware including structures, mechanical assemblies, deployment hardware, actuators, and precision components.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, build documentation, and production travelers to support efficient, repeatable assembly operations.
• Support AIT technicians on the manufacturing floor by resolving build blockers, improving processes, and ensuring hardware meets engineering requirements.
• Develop, qualify, and operate tooling, jigs, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) for assembly, integration, vibration, shock, and thermal testing.
• Perform tolerance stack‑up reviews, fit checks, alignment verification, and torque applications to ensure hardware is built to spec.
• Analyze production and test data; establish pass/fail criteria and support spacecraft integration and launch readiness.
• Lead and support root‑cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) for build issues, test anomalies, and non‑conformances; drive design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with design, quality, supply chain, and technicians to ensure manufacturability, quality, and throughput from prototype to mass production.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce build time, increase reliability, and enhance product flow across production lines.

• 2‑5 years of hands‑on experience in aerospace manufacturing, mechanical assembly, production engineering, or AIT of mechanical/electromechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in manufacturing processes, assembly operations, mechanical integration, and hardware testing.
• Experience with CAD tools (Solid Works, Creo) and test equipment (oscilloscopes, thermal chambers, metrology tools).
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong understanding of GD & T, beam loading, torque application, tolerance stack‑ups, and precision assembly practices.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities and experience supporting failure investigations or process issues.
• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployments).
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

• Salary Range: $85,000 – $140,000 (depending on experience)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
• Additional Benefits: 10K relocation bonus + 5K temporary housing allowance, RSUs, $750–$1,000 monthly stipend, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
• Location: 100% onsite in West TX