Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for spaceflight hardware and lunar vehicle systems. This role requires close collaboration with design, test, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and scalability of high-performance aerospace systems.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for spacecraft, rover, and space-rated mechanical/electromechanical assemblies

• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Assembly (DFA), and Test (DFT) principles are integrated early

• Own build documentation including work instructions, drawings, and process specifications

• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of manufacturing non-conformances and failures

• Define tooling, fixturing, and assembly methods for precision aerospace hardware

• Support rapid prototype builds

• Work with suppliers to develop and qualify manufacturing processes and improve quality

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, and defects

• Plan and execute manufacturing readiness activities and production ramp strategies

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

• 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in aerospace, automotive, space systems, robotics, or high-reliability industries

• Experience developing and executing manufacturing processes for complex assemblies

• Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings

• Familiarity with quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)

• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, RCCA, Fishbone, etc.)

• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, machining, or fabrication processes

• Ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments

• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with additive manufacturing and advanced fabrication techniques  

• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar)  

• Experience developing automated or semi-automated manufacturing processes  

• Knowledge of electrical/mechatronics assembly and integration  

• Experience working with rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles  

• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (or equivalent experience)