Manufacturing Production Process Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking a highly experienced manufacturing and production operations leader to support an independent assessment of NASA manufacturing capabilities for the Moon to Mars Program Office.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive on-site assessments of manufacturing and production capabilities at NASA Centers including Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Michoud Assembly Facility
• Evaluate tooling operations, machining capabilities, 3D metrology systems, and production infrastructure
• Assess current state operations including throughput, capacity, workforce capabilities, and quality systems
• Document facility infrastructure, equipment, and environmental controls
• Analyze flight hardware and GSE production processes and interface requirements
• Provide expert evaluation of transition requirements from prototype to production-scale operations
• Analyze requirements for scaling from bespoke to large-scale repeatable production
• Provide recommendations on manufacturing process optimization and lean manufacturing principles
• Assess workforce expansion, training, and skill development requirements
• Evaluate tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and capital equipment needs
• Identify opportunities for automation, advanced manufacturing, and technology insertion
• Develop strategies for improving production efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards
• Provide oversight of NASA Center implementation of manufacturing recommendations
• Conduct periodic site visits to monitor progress and verify compliance
• Support resolution of technical issues during implementation
• Assess effectiveness of implemented improvements and track key performance indicators
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination across NASA Centers
• Document lessons learned and implementation successes
• Prepare detailed assessment reports for each NASA Center
• Contribute to production scale-up analysis and strategic roadmap development
• Provide realistic cost and schedule estimates based on hands-on manufacturing experience
• Deliver technical briefings to M2M Program Office leadership
• Support development of implementation plans and performance metrics

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering/science or another applicable STEM area
• Minimum 15 years of progressive aerospace manufacturing experience with demonstrated expertise in:
• Flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) production
• Launch site infrastructure development and operations
• Minimum 10 years of leadership/management experience including:
• Supervision of skilled technicians and manufacturing teams (50+ personnel)
• Management of tooling, machining, and metrology operations
• Demonstrated experience with production scale-up including:
• Production scale-up from development/prototype to full-rate production
• Implementing lean manufacturing principles
• Expansion of manufacturing facilities and capabilities
• Managing rapid growth in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, tooling, and machining operations
• Expertise in 3D metrology, precision alignment, and quality control systems
• Experience with launch site construction, infrastructure development, and operations
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100 knowledge preferred)
• Comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and procedures in aerospace manufacturing environments
• Experience with human-rated spaceflight systems and operations
• Define, design, investigate, and optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, installation, processing, and finishing operations
• Develop and adapt machine and equipment designs to optimize factory conditions, production efficiency, and manufacturing techniques
• Verify, test, and identify potential improvements to process performance, efficiency, and production sequences
• Guide product design engineering teams to leverage optimal equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques
• Ensures quality deviations comply with reliability standards
• Prepare and maintain documentation, statistical data, and reports demonstrating compliance with regulations and requirements
• Apply Lean tools, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control to drive continuous improvement
• Effective communication and presentation skills for executive-level audiences
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 25%
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Direct experience at NASA Centers or supporting NASA programs
• Knowledge of NASA standards, processes, and quality requirements (NPRs, NASA-STDs)
• Experience with marine recovery operations and offshore logistics
• Familiarity with FAA and Range Safety requirements for launch operations
• Experience with construction project management and infrastructure development
• Background in supply chain management and supplier qualification process
• Journeyman certification in relevant trade (Moldmaker, Machinist, Tool & Die)
• Previous experience with SpaceX, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, or other New Space manufacturers
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or quality management system auditing experience
• Experience implementing new manufacturing techniques and process improvements