Early to Mid-Career Manufacturing Engineer
About the position We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer for the design, analysis, and optimization of complex mechanical systems, including spacecraft, structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment. This role involves developing assembly drawings and work instructions, resolving nonconformances, creating assembly build trees, and designing custom ground support equipment. The engineer will work closely with design and build/test teams, focusing on continuous improvement, Design for Assembly (DFA), and manufacturability. Responsibilities also include performing environmental and performance testing, ensuring effective integration of mechanical systems with mission objectives, and applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to enhance design efficiency and performance. Fostering effective communication and maintaining positive working relationships are key. The role requires providing SME input for engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, and requirements development.
Responsibilities
- Develop assembly drawings and assembly work instructions
- Execute redlines, fixes, nonconformance resolution, and problem solving during critical build and test phases for programs
- Create assembly build trees
- Design custom ground support equipment (GSE)
- Work closely with design engineers and build/test team to bridge technical communication
- Strong focus on continuous improvement, DFA, and manufacturability
- Perform environmental and performance testing to validate designs and ensure compliance
- Work closely with the Systems Engineering team to ensure mechanical systems integrate effectively with overall mission objectives and interfacing hardware
- Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) principles to enhance design efficiency, reduce component and process count, and ensure consistent performance. Rapidly iterate on designs and analyses to inform system-level trades and product direction
- Foster effective communication with team members. Maintain positive working relationships and promote a productive work environment
- Provide SME input in the development of engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline.
- 2+ years of experience in design, fabrication, and/or test for mechanical systems
- Ability to work independently and take on own tasks
- Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools. Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, including design, fabrication, and testing
- Strong background in manufacturing methods and processes
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3-5 days a week on site) out of our Lafayette, CO office
Nice-to-haves
- 5+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for mechanical systems
- Experience with SolidWorks, Ansys, and MATLAB
- Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
- Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field
- Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)
- Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches
- Experience taking a product from concept to operation
- Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond)
- Experience in a startup environment
- Deep understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining and welding
Benefits
- Fully covered benefits
- Discretionary time off
- Flexible work hours