Manufacturing Production Process Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. We are looking for a part-time Manufacturing Production Process Engineer (MTS Casual III- Technical Project Management). This position, as part of CSG NASA Programs Division, will support the Aerospace Program Office at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (remotely), with travel to multiple NASA centers across the country. The Aerospace Corporation seeks a highly experienced manufacturing and production operations leader to support an independent assessment of NASA manufacturing capabilities for the Moon to Mars (M2M) Program Office under the NSEETS contract vehicle. This casual position will provide critical expertise in aerospace manufacturing scale-up, tooling operations, launch site infrastructure, and production management to assess NASA's transition from small-scale bespoke production to large-scale flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) manufacturing. The successful candidate will conduct on-site assessments at multiple NASA Centers (KSC, MSFC, JSC, Michoud), provide expert analysis on production capabilities, and deliver actionable recommendations for ramping up manufacturing operations while maintaining flight quality standards. This is a casual (flexible part time) position. The selected candidate will be required to work part-time remote and occasionally be required to travel to work on-site at NASA Centers (KSC, MSFC, JSC, Michoud)

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering/science or another applicable STEM area
Minimum 15 years of progressive aerospace manufacturing experience with demonstrated expertise in: Flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) production Launch site infrastructure development and operations
Minimum 10 years of leadership/management experience including: Supervision of skilled technicians and manufacturing teams (50+ personnel) Management of tooling, machining, and metrology operations
Demonstrated experience with production scale-up including: Production scale-up from development/prototype to full-rate production Implementing lean manufacturing principles Expansion of manufacturing facilities and capabilities Managing rapid growth in dynamic, high-pressure environments
Deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, tooling, and machining operations
Expertise in 3D metrology, precision alignment, and quality control systems
Experience with launch site construction, infrastructure development, and operations
Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100 knowledge preferred)
Comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and procedures in aerospace manufacturing environments
Experience with human-rated spaceflight systems and operations
Effective communication and presentation skills for executive-level audiences
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 25%
This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience at NASA Centers or supporting NASA programs
Knowledge of NASA standards, processes, and quality requirements (NPRs, NASA-STDs)
Experience with marine recovery operations and offshore logistics
Familiarity with FAA and Range Safety requirements for launch operations
Experience with construction project management and infrastructure development
Background in supply chain management and supplier qualification process
Journeyman certification in relevant trade (Moldmaker, Machinist, Tool & Die)
Previous experience with SpaceX, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, or other New Space manufacturers
AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or quality management system auditing experience
Experience implementing new manufacturing techniques and process improvements

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive on-site assessments of manufacturing and production capabilities at NASA Centers including Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Michoud Assembly Facility
Evaluate tooling operations, machining capabilities, 3D metrology systems, and production infrastructure
Assess current state operations including throughput, capacity, workforce capabilities, and quality systems
Document facility infrastructure, equipment, and environmental controls
Analyze flight hardware and GSE production processes and interface requirements
Provide expert evaluation of transition requirements from prototype to production-scale operations
Analyze requirements for scaling from bespoke to large-scale repeatable production
Provide recommendations on manufacturing process optimization and lean manufacturing principles
Assess workforce expansion, training, and skill development requirements
Evaluate tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and capital equipment needs
Identify opportunities for automation, advanced manufacturing, and technology insertion
Develop strategies for improving production efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards
Provide oversight of NASA Center implementation of manufacturing recommendations
Conduct periodic site visits to monitor progress and verify compliance
Support resolution of technical issues during implementation
Assess effectiveness of implemented improvements and track key performance indicators
Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination across NASA Centers
Document lessons learned and implementation successes
Prepare detailed assessment reports for each NASA Center
Contribute to production scale-up analysis and strategic roadmap development
Provide realistic cost and schedule estimates based on hands-on manufacturing experience
Deliver technical briefings to M2M Program Office leadership
Support development of implementation plans and performance metrics
Define, design, investigate, and optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, installation, processing, and finishing operations
Develop and adapt machine and equipment designs to optimize factory conditions, production efficiency, and manufacturing techniques
Verify, test, and identify potential improvements to process performance, efficiency, and production sequences
Guide product design engineering teams to leverage optimal equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques
Ensures quality deviations comply with reliability standards.
Prepare and maintain documentation, statistical data, and reports demonstrating compliance with regulations and requirements
Apply Lean tools, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control to drive continuous improvement

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect