Sr Manufacturing Engineer - Process Development

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.  

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.  

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

As a Sr Manufacturing Engineer in the Solar Power group, you will be part of a team responsible for the build and integration of solar array systems that power spacecraft in all sectors of the space economy. Sierra Space has developed and patented novel pick-and-place surface mount solar cell technology which is revolutionizing the way space solar power systems are built. You will be a part of the team that is tasked with scaling the process to enable world-class high-volume production and test of solar power systems, ranging from static single-panel arrays up to large multi-panel deployable arrays.

This is a process improvement focused role, which will have a wide ranging scope of ownership over the implementation of new technologies, processes, equipment, facility build outs, and automation to support aggressive rate targets for the factory. This will include working closely with the R&D team to take novel technologies into production, running manufacturing validation campaigns, developing process requirements, selecting equipment, and coordinating roll out to the floor with the ME and operations teams. This role will touch every workcenter across the factory, from the SMT line to array integration and test, in search of efficiency gains. Additionally, this role will leverage data analytics skills and statistical process control to monitor the factory and identify areas where improvement is required and understand the impact of process changes on key performance metrics.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.  

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key responsibilities:

• Working across all processes and workcenters within the factory, including power module manufacturing on the SMT line, power module laydown operations, and solar array integration

• Identifying and spearheading process changes, design improvements and automation projects to support rate and capacity increase initiatives

• Conceptualizing, selecting, and bringing online new tools and equipment to support process improvement initiatives, working closely with production operations, industrial engineering, and facilities

• Program, operate, and train technicians on automated equipment during initial standup

• Assisting with workcenter development and layout alongside the industrial engineering team, to optimize capacity and product flow

• Working closely with the internal R&D team to follow material and process development to ensure new technology is manufacturable and facility and equipment needs are understood

• Translating internal R&D processes into productionized processes and implementing out on the floor

• Guiding specification development associated with process changes

• Training the ME and technician teams on process changes

• Develop and driving implementation of design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines to maximize standardization and compatibility with existing processes and equipment

• Developing and monitoring production data sources to target areas for process improvement and to understand change impact

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +6 yrs experience).

• Typically 8+ years of related experience.

• Extensive experience in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes.

• Expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 concepts.

• Extensive experience in manufacturing operations.

• Expertise in diagnosing complex manufacturing issues and providing solutions.

• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (ex: NX).

• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to lead tasking of manufacturing teams.

• Knowledge of predictive manufacturing techniques, such as process monitoring and analysis.

• Strong project management and budgeting skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for advancing the state of the art of space solar power

• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed

• Experience mentoring and training less experienced team members

• Willingness to work occasional long hours and weekends

• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Demonstrated ability to create and implement processes from the ground up, with strong communication skills to engage a diverse team

• Proven track record in a space or aerospace manufacturing setting.

• Experience working in advanced MES systems

• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware

• Experience working with space power systems, complex subassembly builds, or vehicle integration

• Experience with surface mount technology and PCBA manufacturing

• Experience with data analysis tools such as SQL and PowerBI

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$132,933.00 - $182,781.75

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. 

 
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.