Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Lunar Outpost; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Lunar Outpost in Golden, CO, seeks a Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer to develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for spaceflight hardware and lunar vehicle systems. You will work closely with design, test, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and reliability in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will lead tooling and process definitions, own documentation, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with suppliers to mature processes for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace or related field.
• 7–10 years in manufacturing engineering, preferably aerospace/space robotics.
• Experience developing and executing manufacturing processes for complex assemblies.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with quality systems (AS9100 or similar).
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, RCCA, Fishbone).
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, machining, or fabrication.
• Ability to work in fast-paced startup environments.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for spacecraft, rover, and space-rated assemblies.
• Ensure DFM/DFA/DFT are integrated early with design.
• Own build documentation: work instructions, drawings, process specs.
• Lead root cause analysis of non-conformances and failures.
• Define tooling, fixturing, and assembly methods for aerospace hardware.
• Support rapid prototype builds and supplier collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce cost, cycle time, and defects.
• Plan manufacturing readiness activities and production ramp strategies.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

DFM/DFA/DFT

GD&T

Root cause analysis

AS9100

Machining

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth.

We are currently seeking a Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for spaceflight hardware and lunar vehicle systems.

This role requires close collaboration with design, test, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and scalability of high-performance aerospace systems.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Working Conditions / Schedule

This position is required to be onsite Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where applicable, employees may work remotely on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for spacecraft, rover, and space-rated mechanical/electromechanical assemblies
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Assembly (DFA), and Test (DFT) principles are integrated early
• Own build documentation including work instructions, drawings, and process specifications
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of manufacturing non-conformances and failures
• Define tooling, fixturing, and assembly methods for precision aerospace hardware
• Support rapid prototype builds
• Work with suppliers to develop and qualify manufacturing processes and improve quality
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, and defects
• Plan and execute manufacturing readiness activities and production ramp strategies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in aerospace, automotive, space systems, robotics, or high-reliability industries
• Experience developing and executing manufacturing processes for complex assemblies
• Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, RCCA, Fishbone, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, machining, or fabrication processes
• Ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with additive manufacturing and advanced fabrication techniques
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar)
• Experience developing automated or semi-automated manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of electrical/mechatronics assembly and integration
• Experience working with rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (or equivalent experience)

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.