Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

We are seeking an exceptional Manufacturing Engineer to support the build, test, qualification, and production of next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you apply innovative solutions and advanced technologies to solve complex manufacturing and engineering challenges at both system and component levels. You work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to production, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and reliability in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical contact for production-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution of problems and implementation of robust long-term corrective actions.
• Manage non-conforming materials within production, including reviewing and approving nonconforming material reports and material review board decisions.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving techniques such as Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC, and translate findings into effective corrective action plans.
• Create, update, and maintain shop orders, work instructions, and standard operating procedures to support continuous and consistent production flow.
• Develop and maintain clear troubleshooting documentation for production test hardware and systems.
• Collaborate closely with design, quality, and test engineering teams to support both development and production programs, ensuring manufacturability and testability of designs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and other Operational Excellence methodologies to enhance safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Support integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electronic systems at component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of manufacturing processes, including assembly methods, bills of material, and technical documentation.
• Support the implementation and optimization of automated manufacturing processes and test methods where applicable.
• Participate in the triage of production issues, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders to minimize impact on schedule and product performance.
• Apply data analysis to evaluate production performance, identify trends, and recommend process improvements.
• Support environmental and functional testing activities as needed, ensuring that manufacturing and test processes align with qualification and acceptance requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and approving nonconforming material within a production environment.
• Experience working in low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing environments, preferably with complex mechanical and electronic systems.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Six Sigma methodologies, and their application in a production setting.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools, including Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis, and DMAIC.
• Experience creating and updating work instructions, shop orders, and standard operating procedures for production.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and production systems.
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting in a production or manufacturing engineering role.
• Ability to develop and execute corrective action plans based on structured problem-solving and data analysis.
• Strong communication skills to interface effectively with design, quality, test, and production teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automated manufacturing processes and automated test methods at component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Knowledge of qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP), functional testing, and environmental testing such as thermal, acoustic, and vibration testing.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills for documentation such as test plans, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Experience supporting mixed-model assembly in a complex production environment, such as satellite or spacecraft manufacturing.
• Experience with continuous improvement, process improvement, and operational excellence initiatives in a production environment.
• Familiarity with assembly processes, bill of material structures, and technical documentation best practices.
• Ability to analyze production data and test results to drive improvements in yield, reliability, and throughput.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Kirkland within a production and test environment focused on building a satellite constellation. You work closely with a mixed-model assembly team in a low-rate, high-complexity manufacturing setting that integrates mechanical and electronic systems. The environment emphasizes Lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, with frequent collaboration across design,…