Digital Manufacturing - Project Engineer

Loft Orbital; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space manufacturing startup in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Manufacturing Systems & Tools Engineer. This role involves configuring and integrating systems to enhance satellite manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate should have over 7 years of experience in manufacturing systems, strong communication skills, and familiarity with ERP tools like NetSuite. Join a fast-growing team focused on revolutionizing space manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in manufacturing systems or enterprise tools administration.
• Experience in production environments with digital interfaces.
• Excellent documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead configuration and integration of NetSuite ERP, PLM, and MES.
• Ensure data consistency across platforms.
• Support user onboarding and generate user guides.

Skills

Manufacturing systems experience

NetSuite configuration

Digital operations skills

MRP environment understanding

Strong communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Aerospace manufacturing exposure

Tools

NetSuite

Duro

Arena

ION

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

Orbitworks is seeking a Manufacturing Systems & Tools Engineer to define, implement, and sustain the digital backbone of our satellite manufacturing operations. This cross‑functional role will support the integration and ongoing development of ERP (NetSuite), PLM, and MES systems to ensure seamless manufacturing and test operations. The ideal candidate will serve as a key enabler across production, engineering, and supply chain by maintaining data integrity, supporting process digitization, and managing system interfaces. This is a foundational role for a lean, fast‑growing space manufacturing startup. We are looking for a systems integrator who understands how tools and digital processes come together to enable scalable, efficient execution on the factory floor.

About this Role:

• Systems Ownership & Integration
• Lead configuration, deployment, and integration of NetSuite ERP, PLM, and MES.
• Define and manage data flows and interfaces between ERP, PLM, MES, and test environments.
• Serve as internal point of contact with implementation partners.
• Ensure data consistency across platforms (BOMs, inventory, work orders, as‑built records).
• Manufacturing Enablement & Tooling Interfaces
• Support the definition and deployment of local systems at assembly and test stations (e.g., barcode scanners, tablets, HMI, operator guidance interfaces). Standardize mechanical and test station setups.
• Define requirements and processes for hardware/software interfaces that support assembly and testing workflows.
• Process & Workflow Digitization
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to translate manual or ad hoc processes into structured digital workflows.
• Document processes, support user onboarding, and generate user guides and SOPs.
• Identify opportunities to streamline manufacturing execution through better data capture and tool usability.
• System Sustainment & Support
• Provide first‑line support to internal users post‑deployment.
• Track and manage ongoing improvements, upgrades, and change requests.
• Support onboarding of new employees and provide training on key digital tools.

Must Haves:

• 7+ years’ experience in manufacturing systems, digital operations, or enterprise tools administration (ERP/PLM/MES)
• Experience configuring or managing NetSuite, Duro, Arena, ION, or equivalent tools
• Demonstrated experience working in production environments with digital interfaces
• Strong understanding of MRP environment, BOMs, inventory control, and manufacturing workflows for high mix low volume environments
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Prior experience in aerospace or high‑reliability manufacturing
• Exposure to PLM/ERP/MES integrations and system architecture
• Comfortable working in a lean, ambiguous environment with evolving systems
• Hands‑on mindset with a bias for action and a focus on enabling others to execute
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to simplify complexity and create clarity

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass‑manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000‑square‑foot facility in Abu Dhabi.