Digital Manufacturing Project Engineer

Loft Orbital Solutions; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space manufacturing startup in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Manufacturing Systems & Tools Engineer to oversee the digital backbone of satellite manufacturing. The role focuses on integrating ERP, PLM, and MES systems while ensuring data integrity and efficient workflows. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of experience in manufacturing systems and be comfortable in a dynamic environment. This key position supports the company's mission to become a pioneer in mass satellite manufacturing in the UAE.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in manufacturing systems, digital operations or enterprise tools administration.
• Strong understanding of MRP environment, BOMs, inventory control and manufacturing workflows.
• Prior experience in aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead configuration deployment and integration of NetSuite, ERP, PLM and MES.
• Support the definition and deployment of local systems at assembly and test stations.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to structure digital workflows.

Skills

Manufacturing systems administration

ERP/PLM/MES tools management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data integrity maintenance

Communication skills

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 Orbitals 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.