Manager, Spacecraft Manufacturing

ispace•Englewood, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

ispace U.S. is seeking a Manager, Lander Manufacturing to lead the team responsible for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of lunar landers. The manager oversees manufacturing planning, production processes, and technical execution throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle, ensuring hardware meets program requirements and standards for quality, reliability, and flight readiness. The role leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians and collaborates with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Systems Engineering, and other technical teams to achieve manufacturing readiness, resolve technical challenges, and support mission execution. The position also develops manufacturing processes and documentation, manages material traceability and production resources, supports program design and review milestones, and drives continuous improvement and facility planning. It is based in a hybrid work environment, with flexibility to work remotely and in-office depending on the role and program stage. Domestic and international travel opportunities are available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
At least 7 years of experience in the development, manufacturing, assembly, or integration of aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or similarly complex aerospace systems.
Experience leading technical teams, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, or providing technical direction in a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, spacecraft fabrication, assembly techniques, and testing methodologies.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, or production plans for complex hardware systems.
Ability to identify technical challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive execution in a highly adaptive, fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a commitment to accountability, integrity, and collaboration.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations for compliance with space technology export regulations, including ITAR.
Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Previous people management experience, including team development, performance management, coaching, and mentoring engineers or technicians.
Experience leading spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing activities for flight hardware programs.
Success driving manufacturing readiness, supporting major program reviews, and transitioning complex hardware designs into production.
Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability, Lean manufacturing practices, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Familiarity with MRP systems, material traceability, configuration management, and MRB processes in aerospace manufacturing.
Experience designing or overseeing fabrication of MGSE, production tooling, and assembly fixtures.
Working knowledge of engineering analysis principles, including Finite Element Analysis, fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis.
Ability to build high-performing teams, navigate competing priorities, resolve conflicts, and collaborate across technical disciplines.
Leadership style that promotes trust, accountability, innovation, and an inclusive team culture.
Passion for space exploration and commitment to developing the people, processes, and hardware that enable successful lunar missions.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing engineers and technicians, providing technical direction, performance feedback, career development, and fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture.
Oversee manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to ensure spacecraft flightworthiness, system functionality, and compliance with program requirements.
Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews and represent Manufacturing during Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and other program milestones.
Partner with Engineering to apply Design for Manufacturability principles and incorporate efficient production methods and practical assembly considerations into designs.
Develop and maintain manufacturing build sequences, standard work instructions, and production documentation, ensuring consistency, configuration control, traceability, and flight hardware pedigree.
Oversee parts inventory management in the Material Requirements Planning system, including tracking, accountability, and material traceability.
Direct the design and fabrication of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment, assembly fixtures, and production tooling.
Collaborate with Systems Engineering and other technical teams on requirements, risk assessments, verification and validation, and technical reviews throughout design, development, and qualification testing.
Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, coordinating with cross-functional leaders to minimize schedule impacts and maintain program execution.
Establish and maintain manufacturing processes, technical documentation, revision control, and Material Review Board software training and utilization.
Develop training and mentorship programs to strengthen team capabilities in manufacturing processes, tools, equipment, and technical requirements.
Drive continuous improvement using Lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, process optimization, and manufacturing best practices.
Support manufacturing facility improvements, equipment selection, production layouts, and operational planning to improve efficiency and support program growth.

Benefits

Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Hybrid work flexibility, with remote and in-office work depending on role and program stage.
Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
Monthly meal stipend for the company café.
18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with company matching.
Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Participation in the company stock option program.
Professional development opportunities, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends.
Fun, casual team environment with regular gatherings and monthly events.