Director, Production and Test Engineering
$175,000–$240,000 year
HybridDenver, Colorado, United States
Job Summary
Lead and mentor a high-performing team across production, test, and manufacturing engineering to deliver fully qualified spacecraft on aggressive timelines. Own execution of production and test schedules, drive load capacity planning, and provide accurate inputs to the Integrated Master Schedule. Continuously improve build and test processes, champion automation initiatives, and oversee test execution including requirements verification, procedure development, and anomaly resolution. Lead root cause investigations, ensure facilities are optimized for safety, and develop team members through coaching and mentorship. This role requires both strategic foresight and hands-on leadership to drive disciplined execution against production milestones while ensuring every spacecraft meets mission assurance standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
- Over 10 years of experience in space component, spacecraft production, and testing
- In-depth knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 production standards, requirements, and testing protocols
- Proven track record in managing high-rate, complex components and assemblies, as well as executing detailed test plans
- Extensive experience with MRP, PLM, and MES application systems, and the integration of automation components across these systems
- Strong expertise in lean manufacturing principles, rapid prototyping methodologies, and environmental testing such as vibration, thermal, or shock testing
- Solid understanding of spacecraft testing facilities and tooling, including vibration tables, TVAC, EMI/EMC chambers, optical alignment stations, and FlatSats
- Experience with ESD sensitive component and assembly manufacturing
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and maintain a cleanroom environment, ensuring organization and cleanliness to the highest standards
- Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain one
- 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
- Located near Denver, CO
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace engineering or equivalent discipline
- 15+ years of experience in space component and/or spacecraft production and testing
- Experience with CNC, tube bending, and other production equipment
- Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python for data processing or test automation
- Capable of building and maintaining IMS schedules with Program Management and schedulers with a deep understanding of critical paths and mitigation techniques
Additional Requirements
- US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations pursuant to ITAR
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