# Lead Manufacturing Engineer

**Company:** [TRL11, Inc.](http://jobs.workable.com/companies/wpE1zDfYDSUh2HrzXb4sUd.md)
**Location:** Irvine, United States
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Full-time

[Apply for this job](http://jobs.workable.com/view/4eef7cf9-af31-4546-8e81-320a571d6029)

## Description

### Overview

We are seeking a **Lead Manufacturing Engineer** to lead manufacturing development and improvement for advanced **electro-optical space systems**.

This individual will translate engineering designs into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes and work closely with mechanical, electrical, optical, systems, quality, supply chain, and production teams. Responsibilities include factory-floor development, process design, work instructions, tooling, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement.

The role will also support **nonconformance and corrective action activities**, including NCCR, and may contribute to the implementation and improvement of a **Manufacturing Execution System (MES)**.

### Responsibilities

-   Lead manufacturing engineering for assembly, integration, inspection, and test of electro-optical space hardware.
-   Develop manufacturing processes, assembly sequences, routings, inspection points, and production controls.
-   Create and maintain work instructions, travelers, manufacturing plans, and process documentation.
-   Partner with design engineering to provide DFMA feedback and identify manufacturing risks.
-   Design or specify tooling, fixtures, equipment, and assembly aids.
-   Help develop factory-floor layouts, work cells, material flow, and production areas.
-   Troubleshoot manufacturing issues directly with technicians and engineering teams.
-   Participate in NCCR, nonconformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
-   Improve manufacturing quality, yield, throughput, cycle time, and repeatability.
-   Support prototype, qualification, and flight hardware through production.
-   Help transition products from development into repeatable manufacturing.
-   Support configuration control, traceability, and production documentation.
-   Mentor manufacturing personnel and establish manufacturing best practices.
-   Support MES implementation and improvement, including electronic work instructions, routings, traceability, and production data collection.

## Requirements

### Basic

-   Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
-   5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with complex electromechanical, optical, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware.
-   Experience developing manufacturing processes and production documentation.
-   Hands-on experience supporting hardware assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
-   Experience with nonconformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
-   Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, BOMs, configuration control, and manufacturing processes.
-   Experience with manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
-   Strong cross-functional communication and technical problem-solving skills.
-   Experience developing factory layouts, production cells, and capacity plans.
-   Experience with MES, ERP, PLM, or digital manufacturing systems.

### Preferred

-   7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with technical leadership responsibilities.
-   Experience manufacturing spacecraft, payloads, satellites, or electro-optical systems.
-   Experience with precision optical, optomechanical, or cleanroom assembly.
-   Experience with low-volume, high-complexity flight hardware.
-   Familiarity with AS9100, NASA, IPC, or related aerospace standards.

## Benefits

-   Fast paced, energetic startup culture, where you'll learn a lot, have great impact, and have fun doing it
-   401k, Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
-   Unlimited Paid Time Off (with prior approval), for Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays
-   Stock Option Plan participation, based on performance and tenure
-   Salary range $120-180k