Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Lead Avionics Manufacturing EngineerJob DescriptionThe Lead Avionics Manufacturing Engineer will build and manage a high-performing team responsible for the end-to-end manufacturing of high-reliability avionics hardware, including wire harness build and test, PCBA production, electromechanical assembly, environmental testing, and systems integration. In this role, you define how avionics hardware is built, setting standards, shaping manufacturable designs, and developing robust processes and a strong team to execute at production scale for flight and space applications.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team of avionics manufacturing engineers, including hiring, setting technical direction, prioritizing work, and fostering a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
• Own the full lifecycle of avionics manufacturing across wire harnessing, PCBA production, and electromechanical assembly, from process development and qualification through new product introduction, production ramp, and long-term sustainment.
• Partner closely with responsible engineers to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFX) feedback, actively participate in design reviews, and influence designs to support high-rate, reliable production.
• Establish team standards for manufacturing process development, validation, work instructions, and documentation that comply with internal quality processes and IPC workmanship standards.
• Own production readiness activities, including capacity planning and delivery scheduling for avionics hardware, and coordinate with production, supply chain, and quality teams to meet vehicle integration milestones.
• Investigate and root cause production failures and non-conformances, drive corrective actions to closure through the MRB process, and support vehicle-level failure investigations as required.
• Use MES, PLM, and production data platforms to manage manufacturing bills of materials (mBOMs), track production performance, and ensure accurate configuration control of flight hardware.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements that enhance manufacturability, throughput, quality, and reliability of avionics and spaceflight hardware.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and documentation support compliance with applicable IPC standards, including space-specific addenda, and promote best practices across the team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and quality stakeholders to align manufacturing capabilities with program goals and hardware design intent.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience building, managing, and developing a team of manufacturing engineers in a production environment.
• Hands-on experience manufacturing avionics hardware for space applications, including wire harnessing, PCBA production, electromechanical assembly, or vehicle integration.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and process improvement for high-reliability electronics and aerospace or spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFX) and providing structured feedback to design teams.
• Experience with IPC workmanship standards such as J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620, including space addenda.
• Experience with new product introduction, production ramp, and capacity planning in a flight hardware production environment.
• Proficiency with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, including mBOM management and use of production data platforms.
• Experience working with nonconformance management, MRB (Material Review Board), corrective action, or change management processes for flight hardware.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting environmental testing and systems integration for avionics and spaceflight hardware.
• Familiarity with aerospace and spaceflight manufacturing environments and their quality and reliability expectations.
• Ability to set clear technical standards and develop comprehensive work instructions and documentation for production teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing complex production issues and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering, production, supply chain, and quality stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and manufacturability.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a flight hardware production environment focused on high-reliability avionics and spaceflight hardware. You work closely with manufacturing engineers, production technicians, quality specialists, and design engineers, using MES and PLM systems, production data platforms, and detailed manufacturing documentation to manage processes and hardware configuration. The environment emphasizes rigorous quality standards, adherence to IPC workmanship requirements, structured nonconformance and MRB processes, and collaboration across engineering and operations to meet demanding vehicle integration schedules. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $200000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Benefits and Perks Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration Equity ownership in the company Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support 401(k) plan with company match Flexible PTO and parental leave Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne,CA.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.