Spacecraft Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer

Momentus; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Momentus is seeking a Spacecraft Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer to lead AI&T for satellite bus programs with hosted payloads. You will develop end-to-end manufacturing processes, tooling, MGSE, and production methodologies to ensure scalable, compliant spacecraft production.

The role bridges design, manufacturing, test, and quality in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in aerospace manufacturing, strong GD&T and CAM/fixture experience, and a proven track in

Qualifications

• 10–15 years in aerospace manufacturing or AI&T, or complex systems integration.
• Experience developing manufacturing plans, work instructions, and routing.
• Strong GD&T, tolerance analysis, and metrology knowledge.
• Proven ability to interpret drawings and manage quality data.
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9001 and NCR/CAPA processes.
• Hands-on production floor experience in controlled environments.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain spacecraft manufacturing plans and build sequences.
• Define production methodologies, tooling strategies, and MGSE.
• Design fixtures using CAD and manage fabrication with vendors.
• Optimize operation sequences and installation processes.
• Perform DFM/DFA, tolerance analyses, and ensure manufacturability.
• Support NDT activities and ensure proper interpretation of results.
• Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews and ensure system readiness.
• Interface with Production, Design, Test, Quality, EH&S, and Supply Chain.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; drive best practices for production.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

Process development

Tooling & fixtures

GD&T

AS9100/ISO9001

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Cleanroom production

CAD modeling

Vendor fabrication support

Education

BS in Mechanical / Aerospace / Manufacturing Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

CAD tooling

Fixture design

PLM/MES systems

Digital manufacturing

Job description

OUR COMPANY

As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system.

OUR PEOPLE

Daring problems require daring solutions. We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Spacecraft Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer to support spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) for Momentus satellite bus programs with hosted payloads supporting commercial, scientific, and government missions.

This role is responsible for developing and sustaining end-to-end spacecraft manufacturing processes, including build sequences, tooling strategies, MGSE, and production methodologies. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, operates with a high degree of ownership, and bridges design, manufacturing, test, and quality to ensure scalable, compliant, and efficient spacecraft production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and maintain spacecraft-level manufacturing plans, including AI&T build sequences, work instructions, travelers, and standard work
• Define and implement production methodologies, tooling strategies, and MGSE, including fixture/tool design, validation, and lifecycle management
• Design assembly fixtures, mechanisms, and production support equipment using CAD; generate drawings and manage fabrication through vendors
• Propose and optimize sequence of operations, integration flow, and installation processes to maximize efficiency and minimize risk
• Perform DFM/DFA analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturability assessments to ensure design compatibility with production constraints
• Apply GD&T principles, tolerance analysis, and advanced metrology techniques to ensure compliance to engineering specifications
• Support and/or oversee non‑destructive testing (NDT) activities (ultrasonic, radiographic/X‑ray, etc.) and ensure proper interpretation of results
• Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and ensure production system readiness for spacecraft builds
• Investigate and resolve technical, operational, and quality issues using structured root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies
• Interface with Production, Design Engineering, Test, Quality, EH&S, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution
• Support Test Operations by ensuring hardware readiness, configuration control, and manufacturability alignment
• Ensure configuration control, traceability, and documentation integrity across all manufacturing processes and hardware
• Mentor engineers and technicians and drive best practices for scalable spacecraft production
• Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, LRR) to ensure alignment between design and manufacturing

Required Skills and Experience

• 10–15 years of experience in aerospace or space manufacturing, spacecraft AI&T, or complex electromechanical system integration
• Strong expertise in manufacturing process development, including work instructions, routing, build sequencing, and production flow optimization
• Proven experience with tooling and fixture design, including CAD modeling, drawing release, and vendor fabrication support
• Deep knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision measurement techniques
• Experience interpreting and working with engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection/test data
• Strong understanding of AS9100 / ISO9001 quality systems, including NCR, CAPA, FAI, and compliance enforcement
• Experience with root cause analysis, problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Hands‑on experience supporting production floor activities in cleanroom or controlled environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional engineering and operations teams

Desired Skills and Experience

• MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
• Experience in spacecraft or high‑reliability aerospace environments (NASA, DoD, commercial space)
• Experience supporting or leading Environmental campaigns (TVAC, Vibration) and integration with Test Engineering teams
• Familiarity with non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods and interpretation of inspection results
• Ability to contribute to systems‑level trades, requirements flow‑down, and vehicle architecture decisions impacting manufacturability
• Experience scaling hardware from prototype through production (rate manufacturing), including line balancing and cycle time optimization
• Experience with PLM/MES systems, digital manufacturing, and configuration management workflows
• Demonstrated ability to operate across disciplines, stepping into Test, Quality, Integration, or Operations roles as needed
• Experience interfacing with customers and supporting technical/program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, LRR)
• Leadership experience mentoring engineers and technicians in a high‑growth or startup environment
• Strong adaptability and ownership mindset with the ability to solve ambiguous problems with minimal guidance

Education & Work Experience

1. BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or related field (MS preferred)
2. 5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace or space systems manufacturing

Compensation

Annual Base Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00/per year

Base pay is one part of our total compensation package (base+bonus+equity) and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Our benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, short and long term disability and life insurance. We also offer flexible PTO, along with 11 paid holidays, sick time and paid parental leave.

This is a full‑time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export‑controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

To all recruitment agencies: Momentus does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees or any company email. Momentus will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.