Job details

Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

The Role

Joining a small team, you will drive the manufacturing success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. Partnering with design engineers early on in the process you will ensure manufacturability, build the first prototype, design the build flow, and finalize the process for transition to production. Your work will involve thruster components, high pressure feed systems, integrated electronics systems, and secondary satellite structures. In your first 6 months you will develop advanced manufacturing methods and tooling for critical propulsion components, define manufacturing flows for subsystems, and collaborate with design teams to improve the manufacturability of spacecraft components.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with propulsion design engineers to develop and implement manufacturing processes and procedures to optimize production efficiency and product quality

Develop innovative manufacturing systems for propulsion assemblies, including welded/bolted structures, high pressure systems, and electrical subassemblies

Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software

Demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with the design teams to improve the manufacturability of the designs

Develop the propulsion subassembly build and production flow procedures

Provide technical support to resolve production issues, including equipment malfunctions, process deviations, and quality problems

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

3+ years of experience in high volume, rapid production environment in a manufacturing/integration/automation/automotive engineering role

Demonstrated results with product development and/or process improvements

Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds

Hands-on experience with basic fabrication tools and processes (electric/pneumatic power tools, tube bending, machining, welding, etc.)

Nice to Have

Experience in the design and manufacturing of automated high pressure test equipment

Experience designing and implementing technologies for avionics subassembly manufacturing including PCBA/mechanical enclosure assembly

Demonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturing

Relevant industry experience as an automation or controls engineer

Experience with manufacturing standards such as torque specifications, welding standards, and quality assurance standards

Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company

Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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Average salary estimate

$137500 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$100000K

$175000K

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What You Should Know About Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, K2 Space

As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer at K2 Space in Los Angeles, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of electric propulsion systems. Joining a cohesive team, your day-to-day will involve partnering closely with design engineers to ensure that the cutting-edge hardware you help produce is not only functional but also manufactured to the highest standards. You’ll be hands-on in developing the first prototype and fine-tuning the processes for production flow, which is essential for the fabrication of thruster components and high-pressure feed systems. In your first six months, you’ll dive into creating advanced manufacturing methods and tooling that contribute to the production of critical components. The responsibilities don’t stop there; you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity by innovating manufacturing systems for propulsion assemblies involving welded and bolted structures while also designing custom tools to facilitate these technologies. Your expertise will help address any challenges during production, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from initial setup to full-scale fabrication. The team at K2 Space values not just technical skills but a collaborative spirit, so your input on improving spacecraft component manufacturability will be greatly appreciated. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering and are eager to work in an environment where fresh ideas are celebrated, K2 Space is the place for you. Join us on this thrilling journey to build spacecraft unlike any other!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer Role at K2 Space

What responsibilities does a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer have at K2 Space?

As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer at K2 Space, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with propulsion design engineers to develop manufacturing processes that enhance efficiency and quality. You'll be tasked with innovating manufacturing systems for propulsion assemblies, including high-pressure systems and electrical subassemblies, and creating custom tools to support production technologies. Additionally, you will handle the development of propulsion subassembly build flows and provide technical support to troubleshoot production issues.