Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy and iteratively improve automated manufacturing systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles, including robotic process automation and smart factory initiatives.
• Implement process control and in-situ monitoring for the specialized manufacturing processes required to build the chamber and nozzle components.
• Build and maintain data pipelines that capture manufacturing telemetry to enable statistical process control, predictive analytics, and machine learning models for defect reduction and process optimization.
• Design fixture and material handling solutions that support chamber/nozzle build and assembly while maintaining tight geometric tolerances.
• Drive continuous improvement of manufacturing automation through scripting (Python), PLC logic, and advanced process modeling to reduce cycle time and scrap rates.
• Partner closely with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams to convert new designs into robust, scalable processes, resolve nonconformances, and drive design changes that improve manufacturability, reliability, and performance.
• Establish version-controlled automation software with rigorous testing, ensuring manufacturing systems are reliable, repeatable, and safe.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating manufacturing processes for metallic components.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation (PLC, LabVIEW, Beckhof, Siemens, Fanuc, ABB, Kuka).
• Demonstrated experience with robotic systems, machine vision, or real-time process control in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment with aggressive schedules.
• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Direct experience with rocket engine chamber or nozzle manufacturing (regeneratively cooled hardware is highly desired).
• Expertise in machining, welding, precision assembly, or heat treatments.
• Background in non-destructive inspection automation and closed-loop quality control.
• Experience with large-scale data collection from manufacturing processes and building predictive models for defect detection or process optimization.
• Familiarity with production systems and the unique challenges of scaling reusable rocket hardware.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), precision metrology, and digital thread concepts.
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor.
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Able to accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to pass ITAR requirements.

Pay Range

• Manufacturing Automation Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
• Manufacturing Automation Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year