AS 9100, Aerospace and Defense, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Demand Forecasting/Planning, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering Management, Government, Inventory Management, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Mentoring, Operational Strategy, Operations Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Development, Process Improvement, Production Planning, Production Schedule, Production Systems, Production Volume, Propulsion, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Safety/Work Safety, Supply Chain, System Readiness Review (SRR), Team Lead/Manager, Test Readiness Review (TRR), Training/Teaching, United States Citizen, Value Stream Mapping, Workforce Management, Workforce Planning, Writing Skills
ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the Manufacturing Engineering team and executing high-rate aerospace production operations to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives. This role oversees daily manufacturing activities, drives DFM and DFP activities, and ensures production scalability while maintaining strict compliance with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep experience in high-volume or high-rate production environments, lean manufacturing, and aerospace quality systems, with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
Essential Functions:
Operational Leadership
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing engineering operations in a high-rate aerospace production environment.
- Ensure production goals are achieved across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Develop and execute production plans to meet customer demand and delivery schedules.
- Drive operational efficiency and throughput improvements.
- Prepare or support SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR and MRR presentations to the Customer
Team Management & Development
- Provide training and mentorship to Manufacturing Engineers, providing reviews and feedback on documentation
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Manage workforce planning, staffing levels, and shift coverage.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for production (DFP)
- Champion Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping).
- Identify process bottlenecks and implement data-driven solutions to improve cycle time, yield, and capacity.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Quality to reduce defects, improve first-pass yield, and resolve non-conformances.
- Support audits, corrective actions, and continuous compliance efforts.
Production Planning & Execution
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program teams to ensure material availability and production readiness.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions as needed.
- Ensure effective production scheduling and inventory management.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- 8+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Experience in high-rate or high-volume production environments (aerospace preferred).
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proven track record managing teams and meeting operational KPIs.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling.
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with Spacecraft Fabrication and Test
- Experience with AS9100 quality management systems.
- Experience with manufacturing process development
Export Control / Compliance Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Compensation & Benefits
The good faith base salary rangefor this role is $140,000–$185,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.
ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.