Manufacturing Engineer

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space in Torrance, CA, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop scalable production processes for complex antenna systems and RF assemblies, supporting hardware integration and cost, lead-time, and quality objectives.

You will design tooling, fixtures, and workflows, collaborate with design teams on DFM, lead root-cause analysis, and help transition from prototype to production, with a hands-on role on the factory floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related hands‑on hardware experience.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (Siemens NX) for tooling and fixture design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods including precision assembly, welding, adhesives, and mechanical fastening.
• Strong troubleshooting and on‑floor issue resolution.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for complex antenna systems, including precision RF assemblies and advanced electronic integration.
• Design and validate tooling, fixtures, and assembly processes to ensure repeatability, efficiency, and reliability.
• Translate engineering designs into robust production workflows.
• Partner with design teams early in development to drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM).
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield and reduce defects in electromechanical systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process flows, and assembly documentation.
• Support environmental, thermal, and RF performance testing with appropriate handling, alignment, and test setups.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure production equipment to support manufacturing needs, balancing floor space and budget.
• Lead make-versus-buy trade studies to determine capabilities to in-house vs outsourced.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Problem solving

Process optimization

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Role:

Northwood is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team, specializing in the production and assembly of advanced satellite communications ground stations. You will be directly responsible for developing scalable manufacturing processes, supporting hardware integration, and making critical decisions on equipment and capability investments to optimize cost, quality, and lead time. This role combines hands‑on production support with strategic planning to help shape the future of Northwood’s manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for complex antenna systems, including precision RF assemblies and advanced electronic integration.
• Design and validate tooling, fixtures, and assembly processes to ensure repeatability, efficiency, and reliability.
• Translate engineering designs into robust production workflows.
• Partner with design teams early in development to drive design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) and seamless transition from prototype to production.
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield and reduce defects in tightly integrated electromechanical systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process flows, and assembly documentation.
• Support environmental, thermal, and RF performance testing by creating appropriate handling, alignment, and test setups.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure production equipment to support manufacturing needs, balancing floor space, budget, and scalability.
• Lead make‑versus‑buy trade studies to determine what capabilities should be brought in‑house versus outsourced.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., Siemens NX) for tooling and fixture design.
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related hands‑on hardware experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods including precision assembly, welding, adhesives, and mechanical fastening.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and creativity to resolve issues on the production floor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing work instructions, process flows, and assembly documentation.
• Hands‑on experience with complex electromechanical or RF hardware.
• Basic understanding of electrical and RF systems to ensure effective integration during assembly and test.

Compensation:

Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary depending on job‑related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long‑term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.