Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Space Kinetic•El Segundo, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup developing a new architecture for space operations. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will help transition the company from prototype development to scalable production by developing manufacturing processes, improving production efficiency, implementing automation, and building manufacturing infrastructure. The role works closely with Engineering, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Operations to support design for manufacturability and continuous improvements in quality, efficiency, and throughput. The position is onsite at the company’s headquarters in El Segundo, California, with domestic travel that may be required approximately 25% to 40% of the year. Space Kinetic notes that this is not a traditional 40-hour work-week role and calls for urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment.

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.
Must meet the stated U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirement, or be eligible 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 designs and manufacturing methods to prepare for higher-rate production.
Develop manufacturing strategies to 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.