Spacecraft Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer

Momentus Space LLC•San Jose, CA

2d•$160,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Spacecraft Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer to support spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) for Momentus satellite bus programs with hosted payloads supporting commercial, scientific, and government missions. This role is responsible for developing and sustaining end-to-end spacecraft manufacturing processes, including build sequences, tooling strategies, MGSE, and production methodologies. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, operates with a high degree of ownership, and bridges design, manufacturing, test, and quality to ensure scalable, compliant, and efficient spacecraft production.

Requirements

10–15 years of experience in aerospace or space manufacturing, spacecraft AI&T, or complex electromechanical system integration
Strong expertise in manufacturing process development, including work instructions, routing, build sequencing, and production flow optimization
Proven experience with tooling and fixture design, including CAD modeling, drawing release, and vendor fabrication support
Deep knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision measurement techniques
Experience interpreting and working with engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection/test data
Strong understanding of AS9100 / ISO9001 quality systems, including NCR, CAPA, FAI, and compliance enforcement
Experience with root cause analysis, problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies
Hands-on experience supporting production floor activities in cleanroom or controlled environments
Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional engineering and operations teams
BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace or space systems manufacturing

Nice To Haves

MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
Experience in spacecraft or high-reliability aerospace environments (NASA, DoD, commercial space)
Experience supporting or leading Environmental campaigns (TVAC, Vibration) and integration with Test Engineering teams
Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and interpretation of inspection results
Ability to contribute to systems-level trades, requirements flow-down, and vehicle architecture decisions impacting manufacturability
Experience scaling hardware from prototype through production (rate manufacturing), including line balancing and cycle time optimization
Experience with PLM/MES systems, digital manufacturing, and configuration management workflows
Demonstrated ability to operate across disciplines, stepping into Test, Quality, Integration, or Operations roles as needed
Experience interfacing with customers and supporting technical/program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, LRR)
Leadership experience mentoring engineers and technicians in a high-growth or startup environment
Strong adaptability and ownership mindset with the ability to solve ambiguous problems with minimal guidance

Responsibilities

Develop, own, and maintain spacecraft-level manufacturing plans, including AI&T build sequences, work instructions, travelers, and standard work
Define and implement production methodologies, tooling strategies, and MGSE, including fixture/tool design, validation, and lifecycle management
Design assembly fixtures, mechanisms, and production support equipment using CAD; generate drawings and manage fabrication through vendors
Propose and optimize sequence of operations, integration flow, and installation processes to maximize efficiency and minimize risk
Perform DFM/DFA analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturability assessments to ensure design compatibility with production constraints
Apply GD&T principles, tolerance analysis, and advanced metrology techniques to ensure compliance to engineering specifications
Support and/or oversee non-destructive testing (NDT) activities (ultrasonic, radiographic/X-ray, etc.) and ensure proper interpretation of results
Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and ensure production system readiness for spacecraft builds
Investigate and resolve technical, operational, and quality issues using structured root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies
Interface with Production, Design Engineering, Test, Quality, EH&S, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution
Support Test Operations by ensuring hardware readiness, configuration control, and manufacturability alignment
Ensure configuration control, traceability, and documentation integrity across all manufacturing processes and hardware
Mentor engineers and technicians and drive best practices for scalable spacecraft production
Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, LRR) to ensure alignment between design and manufacturing