Manager, Spacecraft Manufacturing

ispace, inc.•Englewood, CO

3d•$133,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ispace U.S. is seeking a Manager, Lander Manufacturing to lead the team responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and integrating lunar landers. The role ensures spacecraft meet high standards of quality, reliability, and flight readiness. The manager leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians and oversees manufacturing planning, production processes, and technical execution throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle, working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management. The position covers manufacturing readiness, spacecraft production and testing, design for manufacturability, production documentation and material traceability, ground support equipment and tooling, and continuous improvement. The manager also develops team capabilities and supports facility and operational planning. The role is based with ispace U.S. in Englewood, Colorado, 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 an adaptive, fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, and commitment to accountability, integrity, and collaboration.
To meet U.S. Government space technology export regulations, must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

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 needed for 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 drive Design for Manufacturability and incorporate efficient production methods, industry best practices, and practical assembly considerations.
Develop and maintain manufacturing build sequences, standard work instructions, and production documentation for consistency, configuration control, traceability, and flight hardware pedigree.
Oversee parts inventory management in the Material Requirements Planning system, ensuring accurate tracking, accountability, and material traceability.
Direct the design and fabrication of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment, assembly fixtures, and spacecraft 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 in coordination 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 lunch stipend.
18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with company matching.
Domestic and international travel opportunities.
Participation in the stock option program.
Learning and development opportunities, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and professional development stipends.
Casual team environment with regular gatherings, including monthly events.