Manufacturing Engineer - Machine Shop

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, CNC Manufacturing, the Manufacturing Engineer will develop and implement optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. This role will manage manufacturing-related projects and coordinate activities with various stakeholders. You will support manufacturing issues on existing product designs and new satellite mechanisms early in the design phase, providing critical design-for-manufacturability input while developing and implementing the plan to move from design/test into build/production. This role will play a key part in supporting and optimizing operations within our machine shop to ensure seamless production and high-quality output.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and procedures for satellite structures, subassemblies, and components.
• Assist with custom tooling, fixtures, and jigs to support efficient assembly and testing operations.
• Work with Engineering to assist with redline drawings and drawing corrections.
• Provide hands-on engineering support to the production floor, diagnosing and resolving process or equipment issues in real time.
• Support product transition from design to full-scale manufacturing, collaborating across functional teams to ensure smooth ramp-up to production.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance production efficiency, product reliability, and mission success.
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineering to ensure product designs are optimized for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, while adhering to ANSI and ISO standards.
• Partner with Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance with internal quality standards.
• Serve as the primary engineering representative in daily and weekly program and production meetings, providing technical updates and progress reports to leadership.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve manufacturing and test discrepancies, coordinating with Quality and Design teams to address issues in design, fabrication, and assembly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other related technical degree.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering function within a high-reliability manufacturing environment, preferably in a CNC machine shop manufacturing environment.
• Design software experience (AutoCAD or SolidWorks preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant aerospace manufacturing standards.
• Experience with DFMEA/FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., D365, Aegis).
• Demonstrated proficiency in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Education reimbursement.
• Competitive paid parental leave.
• Employee referrals and company swag.

Pay

Salary Range: $85,000 USD - $125,000 USD. Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Schedule

Full-time positions only.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. We provide end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers.

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but within a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.