Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Spacecraft Machining)

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to own spacecraft chassis and aluminum panel fabrication, set up machining cells, and drive production from development through high‑volume runs.

You’ll work with CAM software (NX, MasterCam, Fusion 360, ESPRIT, Hypermill) and install CNC work centers, developing processes for prototype, test and flight hardware while collaborating with design teams to improve manufacturability and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field.
• 5+ years of experience with CNC machines and CAM packages (NX, MasterCam, HSM Works, Fusion 360, ESPRIT, Hypermill, etc.).
• 5+ years in a design, test, manufacturing, or production environment.
• Experience on 5-axis mills and/or routers.
• Experience on manual and CNC mills and/or lathes.
• Ability to rapidly pick up CAM software and manage large tool libraries.
• Demonstrated ownership and ability to work in small teams.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of spacecraft component manufacturing from product inception and iteration to volume production.
• Work with CAM software and rapidly learn new tools to become expert.
• Install CNC work centers and develop processes for prototype, test and flight hardware.
• Iterate designs with the team for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions.
• Grow experience across manufacturing fields to advance in-house capabilities.

Skills

CNC machining

CAM packages

5-axis mills

Problem solving

Python/SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

NX

Mastercam

Fusion 360

ESPRIT

Hypermill

Job description

Department: Manufacturing Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $145,000 - $185,000 / year

Description

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will own all aspects of manufacturing spacecraft chassis & aluminum panels, set up machining cells, and iterate products from development test articles to high volume production. Impulse is building an exceptional team and this position is a growth opportunity open to high performers of any experience level above the basic qualifications (Staff, Principal, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of spacecraft component manufacturing from product inception and iteration to volume production (i.e. tank skins, vehicle structures, large & thin aluminum hardware)
• Work with various CAM software (i.e. NX, MasterCam) and strong ability to learn and become expert in new software rapidly
• Install advanced CNC machining work centers and develop processes for prototype, test and flight hardware
• Work with the design and development teams to iterate designs for manufacturability and produce highly reliable, cost-efficient components
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
• Grow your experience in numerous manufacturing fields to advance in house production capabilities and forge our path through space

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field
• 5+ year(s) of experience with CNC machines and various CAM packages (NX, MasterCam, HSM Works, Fusion 360, ESPRIT, Hypermill, etc.)
• 5+ year(s) of experience in a design, test, manufacturing, or production environment
• Experience on 5-axis mills and/or routers
• Experience on manual and CNC mills and/or lathes
• Ability to rapidly pick up new CAM software and manage large tool libraries
• Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience with CNC machines and various CAM packages (HSM Works, Fusion 360, ESPRIT, Hypermill, etc.)
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience programming machining for spacecraft components (structures), experience programming in MAX-PAC
• Excited to setup, work on and manufacture hardware on the shop floor. Develop production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturing
• Self-starter able to identify problems and implement solutions with limited supervision
• Experience on various machines and OEM software including Heidenhain, Okuma OSP, Siemens, Fanuc, etc.
• Experience setting up machine shops, recommending and evaluating capital for purchase
• Extremely hands on. Experience with fabrication tools and processes (electric/pneumatic power tools, manual lathes/mills, calipers, welding equipment, etc.)
• Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and work holding design and analysis Prior experience working in a fast-paced agile product development environment
• Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed
• Python / SQL programming experience or similar
• High attention to detail and rapid pace of execution

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse 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.

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse 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.