Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Space Hardware Factory

Socket.dev; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Daily lunch and stocked kitchen

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to establish how the rocket engine is made as we build a factory from the ground up. You will decide on hardware manufacturing methods, tooling, and process development, rather than inheriting existing systems.

You will own DFMs, define build sequences, and lead equipment decisions, ensuring hardware reaches the build cell with quality and repeatable production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent.
• Comprehensive understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing principles, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5, tolerance stack analysis, and CMM/inspection.
• Hands-on ownership of build and assembly on the manufacturing floor.
• Proficiency in CAD and related tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical discussions.
• Experience evaluating nonconforming hardware and developing rework plans.

Responsibilities

• Define CONOPS and DFMs for hardware, including production methods, equipment, and build sequence.
• Foster creativity, own fixes, and ensure completion of improvements.
• Support facility layout, specify and purchase capital equipment; install and qualify it.
• Design tooling and fixtures for machining, welding, assembly, handling, and transport.
• Lead process qualification with Materials & Processes and Quality; manage supplier interactions.
• Oversee qualification of new in‑house processes.
• Author build documentation: routings, work instructions, process specs, BOMs.
• Own delivery, cycle time, yield, and rate readiness; scale from first article to production.
• Track configuration and pedigree; manage nonconformances and coordinate repairs.
• Mentor teammates within and outside the group.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

CMM inspection

Faro Arm

Blue Light Scan

CAD

Inspection techniques

Communication

Disposition of nonconforming hardware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent

Tools

Siemens CAM

PLM software

MES software

CMM software

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to establish how the rocket engine is made as we build a factory from the ground up. You will decide on hardware manufacturing methods, tooling, and process development, rather than inheriting existing systems.

You will own DFMs, define build sequences, and lead equipment decisions, ensuring hardware reaches the build cell with quality and repeatable production.