Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems
Anduril· Manufacturing : Manufacturing Engineering : Manufacturing Engineering
Costa Mesa, CA$146k - $194kFull-timePosted 7mo ago
About the role
Senior Manufacturing Engineer to own manufacturing strategy and execution for complex spacecraft hardware, leading DFM, process development, tooling, supplier management, quality systems, and cross-functional initiatives for space-grade assemblies and integrated spacecraft systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for PCBAs, box-level assemblies, electro-optical instruments, and integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with space-grade standards (IPC-610/620 Class 3, NASA-STD-8739 series)
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives from concept through production, partnering with design engineers to optimize producibility, yield, and cost while providing hands-on technical leadership to manufacturing technicians
- Own quality assurance for assigned manufacturing processes, lead root cause analyses (RCA) and corrective actions for non-conformances, and proactively mitigate risks through PFMEA, process validation, and quality planning
- Specify, qualify, and deploy advanced assembly tools, fixtures, test equipment, and automation solutions, including custom tooling design using CAD/3D modeling capabilities
- Implement and optimize Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP workflows, and digital manufacturing tools to enhance traceability, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making
- Establish and manage technical relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers, conducting assessments, audits, and qualification activities while driving quality improvements and manufacturability enhancements
- Lead or participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR), manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR), and production readiness reviews (PRR) for flight hardware programs
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with program management, supply chain, and executive leadership on manufacturing status, risks, and mitigation strategies
- Analyze production data and lead scaling efforts from low-rate to high-rate production, implementing continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize throughput, reduce cycle times, and enhance product reliability while reducing costs
- Define manufacturing strategy for spacecraft product lines, mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, and represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross-functional leadership forums and strategic planning sessions
Qualifications
- 8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, space systems, aviation, defense, or other high-reliability industries, with a proven track record leading complex manufacturing programs from development through production
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline required. Master's degree or equivalent advanced experience preferred
- Deep knowledge of aerospace and high-reliability electronics standards, including IPC-610/620 Class 3, IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, and NASA-STD-8739 series (soldering, wire harness, conformal coating)
- Expert-level understanding of PCBA manufacturing processes (SMT, through-hole, conformal coating, potting, component selection/screening) and strong technical knowledge of box-level assembly (cabling, harnessing, mechanical integration, thermal management, EMI/EMC)
- Hands-on experience implementing and optimizing MES, ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Odoo, Aligni), digital work instructions, and manufacturing process controls (SPC, Lean, Six Sigma)
- Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PFMEA), driving corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and developing/executing process validation, FAI, and manufacturing qualification plans
- Ability to influence design for manufacturability and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems design teams, with experience designing or specifying custom tooling, fixtures, and test equipment for complex assemblies
- Strong technical communication skills with ability to present to cross-functional teams and executive leadership, and proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations
- Proven success in fast-paced, startup, or rapid development environments while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and quality, with a hands-on mindset and willingness to work directly on the manufacturing floor alongside technicians
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
Skills
Required:Manufacturing process developmentDesign for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA)Quality assurance and problem solvingMES/ERP/MRP systemsTooling and fixture design
Benefits
- Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees)
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Anduril
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