Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in transitioning Space Kinetic from prototype development to scalable production. You will develop manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency, implement automation, and help build the manufacturing infrastructure needed to support future production. Working closely with Engineering, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Operations, you will help ensure our products are designed for manufacturability while continuously improving quality, efficiency, and throughput. This is an opportunity to build manufacturing systems from the ground up inside one of the most exciting aerospace startups in the industry. 

Job Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Process Development 

• Develop manufacturing processes that support prototype builds and future production 
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements with engineering teams  
• Create standardized work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and production procedures  
• Develop manufacturing plans for new products and engineering releases  

Production Scale-Up 

• Evaluate current designs and manufacturing methods to prepare for higher-rate production 
• Develop manufacturing strategies that improve quality, repeatability, and throughput  
• Identify opportunities for automation and advanced manufacturing technologies  
• Support production readiness for future manufacturing expansion  

Automation & Continuous Improvement 

• Help implement automation across machining and manufacturing operations 
• Improve factory layout, workflow, and production efficiency  
• Develop Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives  
• Eliminate bottlenecks and improve manufacturing productivity  

Manufacturing Operations Support 

• Partner with engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product designs 
• Troubleshoot production challenges and support root cause investigations  
• Support machining, assembly, testing, and integration activities  
• Work closely with Supply Chain to improve manufacturability and material flow  

Factory Development 

• Help establish manufacturing processes, organization, and best practices as the company scales 
• Recommend tooling, fixtures, equipment, and capital improvements  
• Support long-term planning for production growth and manufacturing capacity 

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline 
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience  
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance manufacturing environments  
• Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and production processes  
• Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM)  
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI)  
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies  
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems  
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills  
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment  
• U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident 

• Aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing experience 
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production  
• Experience implementing automation in manufacturing environments  
• CNC machining and fixture design experience  
• Knowledge of AS9100 manufacturing environments  
• Experience developing manufacturing work cells and production lines  
• Experience with robotics or automated manufacturing systems  
• Passion for building manufacturing organizations from the ground up  
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where wearing multiple hats is expected

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required, approximately 25% to 40% of the year.

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.