Senior Manufacturing Engineer
About The Position
Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup developing a new architecture for space operations that applies the advantages of proliferated drone technology to space missions while reducing reliance on consumable fuel. The company aims to move from one-to-one satellite architectures to systems where each satellite can deploy many payloads at high velocities without firing a thruster. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will help transition the company from prototype development to scalable production. The role develops manufacturing processes, improves production efficiency, implements automation, and helps establish manufacturing infrastructure. Working with Engineering, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Operations, the engineer will support design for manufacturability and continuous improvements in quality, efficiency, and throughput. The position is onsite at Space Kinetic’s headquarters in El Segundo, California, with domestic travel potentially required for approximately 25% to 40% of the year. The company describes the role as requiring urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment rather than a traditional 40-hour work week.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
- At least 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and production processes.
- Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI).
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment.
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; the ITAR section also lists qualifying refugee or asylee status, or eligibility to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing experience.
- Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
- Experience implementing automation in manufacturing environments.
- CNC machining and fixture design experience.
- Knowledge of AS9100 manufacturing environments.
- Experience developing manufacturing work cells and production lines.
- Experience with robotics or automated manufacturing systems.
- Passion for building manufacturing organizations from the ground up.
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where wearing multiple hats is expected.
Responsibilities
- Develop manufacturing processes for prototype builds and future production.
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements with engineering teams.
- Create standardized work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and production procedures.
- Develop manufacturing plans for new products and engineering releases.
- Evaluate current designs and manufacturing methods in preparation for higher-rate production.
- Develop strategies that improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
- Identify opportunities for automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Support production readiness for future manufacturing expansion.
- Help implement automation across machining and manufacturing operations.
- Improve factory layout, workflow, and production efficiency.
- Develop Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Eliminate bottlenecks and improve manufacturing productivity.
- Partner with engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product designs.
- Troubleshoot production challenges and support root cause investigations.
- Support machining, assembly, testing, and integration activities.
- Work with Supply Chain to improve manufacturability and material flow.
- Help establish manufacturing processes, organization, and best practices as the company scales.
- Recommend tooling, fixtures, equipment, and capital improvements.
- Support long-term planning for production growth and manufacturing capacity.
Benefits
- Equity-based compensation.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match.
- Highly competitive PTO.
- Paid company holidays and winter break.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Unique performance-based bonus opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
