Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Assembly & Validation Engineer

Xona-Space-Systems; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona-Space-Systems in Burlingame, CA, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to own end-to-end mechanical assembly processes for high‑reliability aerospace hardware, including GNC components, solar arrays, or antennas.

You will define validation strategies, design fixtures, manage nonconformance, mentor technicians, and partner with design engineering to improve producibility, while building digital work instructions and leading CAPA programs.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years in manufacturing engineering for complex mechanical or electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• End-to-end ownership of a mechanical assembly process.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical metrology: calipers, micrometers, torque tools, optical systems.
• Experience with nonconformance management, root cause analysis, and CAPA.

Responsibilities

• Own the manufacturing and assembly process for your assigned build area(s).
• Define validation and verification strategy for your build areas, translating drawings into acceptance criteria.
• Plan, specify, and qualify fixtures and tooling and the test/inspection equipment.
• Own nonconformance management, root cause corrective action (8D), and MRB disposition.
• Build and maintain digital work instructions and travelers for your build areas.
• Build measurement confidence through gage selection, method validation, and Gage R&R.
• Support environmental and production acceptance testing (vibration, shock, thermal/TVAC).
• Support supplier evaluation, audits, and monitoring for mechanical components.
• Be a strong voice for DFX/producibility in design reviews with design engineering.
• Mentor engineers and technicians on assembly and inspection practices.

Skills

End-to-end ownership

GD&T interpretation

Mechanical metrology

Nonconformance management

Fixtures & tooling planning

Education

B.S. in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD)

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Torque tools

Optical inspection systems

Job description

Xona-Space-Systems in Burlingame, CA, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to own end-to-end mechanical assembly processes for high‑reliability aerospace hardware, including GNC components, solar arrays, or antennas.

You will define validation strategies, design fixtures, manage nonconformance, mentor technicians, and partner with design engineering to improve producibility, while building digital work instructions and leading CAPA programs.