Manufacturing Engineer | Propulsion Technologies

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to drive manufacturing process development, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting aerospace propulsion and flight hardware programs. This individual will be responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and production processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and scalable operations.

• Experience supporting cleanroom manufacturing environments.
• Experience in propulsion solutions preferred!

About Our Client

This aerospace technology organization develops advanced spacecraft systems and propulsion solutions for demanding space applications. Team members play a key role in ensuring mission success through the development, testing, and deployment of high-reliability hardware designed to perform in the harsh conditions of space., * Lead manufacturing process development and continuous improvement initiatives across production operations.

• Design, implement, and enhance manufacturing methods that improve product quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain precision tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids used for the integration, inspection, testing, and handling of high-reliability hardware.
• Create, revise, and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures, manufacturing specifications, and process documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to production personnel and supervisors to ensure efficient execution of manufacturing activities.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and implement improvements that enhance quality, delivery performance, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, supply chain, and production teams to identify manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate process development activities with production schedules to maximize resource utilization and minimize disruption to operations.
• Establish process control methodologies and support the implementation of statistical process control (SPC) techniques where applicable.
• Train production personnel on process controls, manufacturing best practices, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify, evaluate, and procure tooling, equipment, and materials required to support manufacturing objectives.
• Assess and recommend capital equipment investments based on quality improvements, efficiency gains, and overall business value.
• Support additional manufacturing and operational initiatives as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a low- to medium-volume production environment.
• Strong understanding of advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and applications.
• Experience working with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES); familiarity with Tulip is a plus.
• Proficiency with CAD software for manufacturing and tooling design.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting cleanroom manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of optical alignment processes and precision assembly techniques.
• Familiarity with thermal and vacuum system manufacturing or testing.
• Experience supporting qualification, flight, or other high-reliability aerospace hardware programs.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.