Senior Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer

The Role

Partnering with Mechanisms Engineering team early  in the process, you will ensure manufacturability, build the first prototype, design the build flow and fixturing, and finalize the process for transition to production. Once transitioned, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact scaling production to meet K2’s ever-growing demand. You will test out new techniques for manufacturing complex mechanisms such as rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, reaction wheel assemblies, among other electromechanical assemblies. In your first 6 months you will develop manufacturing methods and tooling for the mechanisms, define manufacturing flows for mechanisms subsystems, build test articles to support the Mechanisms Engineering team’s development and qualification test campaigns, and collaborate with them to provide Design-for-Excellence (DFX) guidance across mechanisms, machined components, and higher-level assemblies. In your first year you will own the implementation of these advanced manufacturing techniques on flight hardware, scale the technology you develop to high-rate production, and help mentor the engineers building the future of the team alongside you.

Responsibilities

Lead design-for-excellence (DFX) guidance to design teams  with the Mechanisms Engineering team providing design guidance for mechanisms, machined components, and assemblies for initial design, flight hardware, and tooling

Lead the development of innovative manufacturing systems for spacecraft mechanisms, including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies

Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create, including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software

Demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with the design teams to continuously improve the manufacturability of the designs

Build test articles and support the Mechanisms Engineering team’s development and qualification test campaigns, iterating on hardware and processes as test results come in

Develop the subassembly build flow and iterate to create an efficient production flow for the satellite and ensure that build times align with current takt times

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior manufacturing engineers and technicians on mechanisms manufacturing best practices

Partner with a team of advanced manufacturing engineers to lead R&D of novel manufacturing technologies for current and future spacecraft products

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

6+ years of experience in a high volume, rapid production environment in a manufacturing, integration, and/or design engineering role

Demonstrated track record of leading product development and/or process improvement initiatives

Strong understanding of mechanisms-specific industry standards such as NASA-STD-5017 (Design and Development Requirements for Mechanisms) and AIAA S-114 (Moving Mechanical Assemblies for Space and Launch Vehicles), as well as familiarity with the environmental qualification standards (SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000) the Mechanisms Engineering team designs against

Strong understanding of how to set up and scale a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds

Deep understanding of mechanisms subassembly manufacturing technologies, including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies

Strong understanding of DFX (design for manufacturability, testability, and assembly) principles, with the ability to guide design teams across mechanisms, machined components, and mechanical assemblies

Strong understanding of GD&T and mechanical assembly drawings, with the ability to review and provide feedback on electrical and mechanical designs

Nice to Have

Familiarity with precision bearing standards (e.g., ABMA) and bearing preload techniques and measurement, as used in rotational actuators, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies

Strong understanding of tooling design for mechanisms and electromechanical subassemblies

Some understanding of wire harness manufacturing and integration

Demonstrated ability to develop production processes from the ground up, including driving design improvements for manufacturing

Strong understanding of technician workflows and build tooling, with a track record of working closely with production teams

Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing standards, including lubrication practices, torque specifications, and quality assurance standards

Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent)

Strong understanding of MES systems, with the ability to set up the foundation for procedure creation and documenting non-conformances

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $140,000 – $170,000 + equity in the company

Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks