Manufacturing Engineer - Spacecraft Manufacturing

Manufacturing Engineer — Spacecraft Manufacturing

As a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in spacecraft manufacturing, you will play a critical role in reviewing designs, writing work instructions, and making crucial decisions regarding parts and vendor selection. Your expertise will drive the development and implementation of efficient workflows and processes, enhancing the quality and performance of our spacecraft manufacturing operations.

• Review and approve designs and drawings, ensuring they meet manufacturing requirements.
• Develop and release work instructions for the production floor.
• Make informed make/buy decisions on parts and coordinate with vendors for procurement.
• Collaborate with procurement and quality teams to set up vendor agreements and ensure timely delivery of parts.
• Establish inspection requirements for incoming parts and flag any special handling needs.
• Conduct research and development on new processes or vendors as needed.
• Design workflows, set up Six Sigma methodologies at workstations, and create ground support equipment or tooling.
• Support customer deliverables, including creating slides for CDR, MRR, or EIDP.
• Direct technicians and oversee production activities on the floor.
• Establish EDL and procurement trackers for projects and hand them off to planners.
• Verify designs for manufacturability and ensure they align with production schedules.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and analysis to achieve high production rates.
• Monitor procurement and delivery schedules to ensure parts are ordered and delivered on time.
• Identify cost savings opportunities by exploring cost breaks in quantities, vendors, or processes.
• Act as the point of contact for vendor qualifications and maintain regular communication.
• Become the subject matter expert on products and handle failure and troubleshooting of non-conforming products.
• Coordinate and communicate with testing teams.
• Provide floor support and ensure technicians are not delayed in their progress.
• Set up work order packages and direct planners on manufacturing order requirements.
• Participate in MRB teams on non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Support all floor activities, including testing, and verify documentation for customer deliverables.

• Experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in spacecraft, aerospace, robotics, or pressure equipment.
• Proficiency in design for manufacturing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to create electronic work instructions and develop training materials.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in using CAD software and e-learning platforms.

• Ability to verify designs for manufacturability and ensure compliance with inspection and cleaning codes.
• Experience in driving make/buy decisions and managing procurement schedules.
• Capability to conduct R&D on new processes or vendors.
• Experience in coordinating with vendors and becoming a subject matter expert on products.

This role operates within a fast-paced manufacturing environment that includes cleanroom settings and office spaces. The work attire is business casual, and you will be part of an innovative and collaborative team. You will work on cutting-edge spacecraft manufacturing projects, with opportunities for career growth and competitive compensation.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Littleton, CO.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Littleton, CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 26, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.