Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer — Lead Prototyping & Production

Umbra Lab Inc.; Santa Barbara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Sick Leave

Family Medical Leave

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

LTD

STD (employer funded)

401k

Stock Options

Free Parking

Free Lunch

Job summary

Umbra Lab Inc. in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, is seeking a Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and sustainment of space vehicle and payload production lines. You will drive manufacturing compliance and work with technicians to resolve issues in real time, delivering repeatable processes for complex assemblies.

This role requires strong knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, and QA methods, and a track record of DFMEA/PFMEA and root-cause analysis in aerospace contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience supporting manufacturing, integration, or test of aerospace or other high-reliability hardware.
• Experience developing manufacturing plans, build procedures, and work instructions for first-time prototype builds and complex mechanical assemblies.
• Hands-on experience supporting assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems, with a working knowledge of DC electronics and electrical test methods.
• Strong proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5 preferred).
• Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including the ability to write clear manufacturing and test procedures.
• Experience interfacing with suppliers on technical requirements, part quality issues, and production readiness.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document production processes and procedures that enable repeatable, reliable manufacturing.
• Lead planning and execution of prototype builds, coordinating materials, hardware, engineering priorities, schedules, and technicians to successfully deliver build milestones.
• Train production personnel on new and existing manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Partner closely with hardware engineers to translate evolving designs into executable build plans, identifying manufacturing risks, assembly sequencing, and tooling needs.
• Contribute to design reviews, providing DFM expertise for machined and composite components.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
• Resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
• Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical documentation

Electrical troubleshooting

GD&T interpretation

Supplier liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PTC Creo

3D printing

Job description

Umbra Lab Inc. in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, is seeking a Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and sustainment of space vehicle and payload production lines. You will drive manufacturing compliance and work with technicians to resolve issues in real time, delivering repeatable processes for complex assemblies.

This role requires strong knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, and QA methods, and a track record of DFMEA/PFMEA and root-cause analysis in aerospace contexts.