Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Satellite Imaging Group

Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Satellite Imaging Group

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to join our AP50 Satellite Telescope Project Team. Your contributions will enable the successful product launch of our 50 cm aperture camera, designed for ground imaging from low Earth orbit. In this role, you will innovate and lead process definition and optimization initiatives. You will prototype and test methods, lead development of specialized manufacturing equipment, and provide technical expertise in the implementation of complex processes.

You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, create process documentation and champion quality, safety, and risk reduction improvements across the project.

Join the us as we advance state of the art in space-based imaging. Contribute your knowledge, work with an agile team of peers and evolve your skills to the next level as we launch our new advanced satellite camera.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Process Engineer to join our AP50 Satellite Telescope Project Team. Your contributions will enable the successful product launch of our 50 cm aperture camera, designed for ground imaging from low Earth orbit. In this role, you will innovate and lead process definition and optimization initiatives. You will prototype and test methods, lead development of specialized manufacturing equipment, and provide technical expertise in the implementation of complex processes.

You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, create process documentation and champion quality, safety, and risk reduction improvements across the project.

The AP50 is a state-of-the-art silicon carbide satellite camera. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer will provide technical leadership in the development and execution of manufacturing methods required for first article and serial production of the new camera system. Key materials like Silicon Carbide (SiC) are integral to the project.

Manufacturing activities will focus on the fabrication of SiC optical and structural components, polishing mirror optical surfaces, and assembly/testing of the optical telescope. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing technologies, tooling, and metrology processes that meet telescope performance and schedule requirements. You will also work closely with external suppliers and support vendor selection, technical requirements, and acceptance tests.

A key responsibility of this role will be the innovation and qualification of manufacturing methods and processes to ensure the successful achievement of design outcomes. You will lead process testing and prototyping in a fast-paced, agile environment. Wherever planned technologies, methods, or processes prove to be ineffective or unreliable, you will lead efforts, using internal and external resources to rapidly implement design or other plan changes that will allow for reliable manufacturing.

Once initial processes are defined, you will focus on quality assurance activities that will ensure reliable implementation and use of the product.

• Lead the AP50 Project through all phases of Manufacturing Readiness, including design validation, tooling development, and manufacturing process verification.
• Collaborate with other developers and operations staff to ensure seamless transfer of methods and technologies from concept to manufacturing.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Conduct risk assessments, process audits, and ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
• Provide oversight of all manufactured components both within AOS and the supply chain, ensuring they meet design specifications and quality standards.
• Operate and train team members on advanced technologies and techniques for manufacturing optical systems.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with academic and industry partners to drive innovation and stay current with emerging technologies.
• Lead on-the-floor troubleshooting and problem-solving to address any production challenges.
• Innovate and develop new in-house processes, products, and technology, executing development projects to meet project objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and…