Manufacturing Engineer II (Arc Vehicle)

Who We Are: 

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. 

Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. 

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. 

Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics. 

What You'll Do 

As a Manufacturing Engineer (Arc Vehicle) at Inversion, you will report directly to the Manager of Arc Vehicle Integration & Test. In this role, you will build, integrate, and test critical subsystems for our Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle. You will own the transition of designs from the engineering team to the integration floor, developing build sequences, assembly procedures, and floor tooling. You will work cross-functionally with design engineers and floor technicians to execute physical integration, troubleshoot hardware anomalies in real-time, and ensure flight hardware meets strict quality and schedule milestones. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop, optimize, and own the end-to-end vehicle assembly sequence, integration flow, and build plans for the Arc vehicle. 

• Create and execute detailed vehicle assembly sequences and integration plans for critical Arc subsystems. 

• Author, release, and maintain high-fidelity manufacturing work instructions, structural bonding procedures, and integration checklists. 

• Design, build, and proof-load assembly fixtures, tooling, and ground support equipment (GSE) using CAD. 

• Lead the disposition of floor non-conformances (MRB), perform rigorous root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for structural and mechanical integration issues. 

• Coordinate directly with centralized shops to schedule and execute part deliveries, structural bonding, mechanical fabrication, and subassembly integration. 

• Establish standard practices for precision mechanical joints, fasteners, adhesives, and critical interface alignments. 

• Execute subassembly and vehicle-level mass properties, alignment measurements, and system checkouts. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical experience. 

• Typically 2+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, hardware integration, structural assembly, or vehicle-level build environments. 

• Proven experience authoring detailed assembly procedures, managing build configurations, and driving floor execution. 

• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or GSE in CAD (Siemens NX or equivalent) and applying standard GD&T per ASME Y14.5. 

• Direct experience with structural bonding, composite assembly, mechanical fastening, or thermal protection system (TPS) integration. 

• Familiarity with Material Review Board (MRB) processes, non-conformance tracking, and root-cause analysis. 

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or high-reliability aerospace hardware assembly. 

• Experience with aerospace cleaning, bonding preparations, and cleanroom operations. 

• Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems, pyrotechnics installation, or flight avionics harnessing integration. 

• Familiarity with Thermal Protection System (TPS) manufacturing processes. 

• Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams. 

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence. 

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $106,000 - $150,000.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.