Manufacturing Engineer I, Mechanical Assembly Second Shift

About the Team: 

The Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R’s primary structures. This isn’t about turning the same bolt every day; it’s about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real-time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it’s up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

This is a second shift position starting at 3pm PT.

About the Role: 

• Own hardware from design release through build, test, and delivery for vehicle sub-systems, taking full responsibility for execution readiness and product quality across high-volume subassemblies. Hardware spanning from fluids, electrical, or structural sub-assemblies.
• Develop and release detailed build flows, work instructions, and test procedures to enable repeatable, high-quality execution across first builds and maturing programs. Focus on process development is key to success to scale the workcenter.
• Support first article builds in a fast-paced environment, focusing on manufacturability, repeatability, and quality, while developing scalable processes that enable a smooth ramp to higher production rates 
• Provide hands-on floor support during build and test, resolving issues in real time, incorporating technician feedback, and driving continuous improvement across hardware flow and process discipline 
• Coordinate across design, supply chain, production, and test teams to ensure part readiness, tooling availability, schedule alignment, and smooth handoffs between build stages 
• Contribute to the development of long-term manufacturing systems and infrastructure, including tooling strategies, ERP/MES workflows, and production documentation standards 

About You:

• Degree in engineering or a related technical field, with 1+ years of hands-on experience building and testing hardware in a manufacturing or integration environment 
• Skilled at investigating hardware issues, resolving non-conformances, and driving root cause analysis with corrective actions implemented effectively 
• Familiar with general assembly and test procedures, including tolerance stack-up analysis, structural proof testing, and pressurized leak checks 
• Comfortable interfacing across design, manufacturing, supply chain, and test teams to ensure hardware quality and schedule alignment 
• Self-starter who can define and roll out new processes from scratch, working collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and external vendors 
• Proficient in GD&T, CAD, and basic design or test analysis, with experience in at least two of the following: LOX cleanliness, leak checking, sensor checkouts, tube bending, tool design, crane operations, or subassembly builds 

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Experience supporting new aerospace product introduction or transitioning hardware from prototype to production, especially in a high-rate or scaling environment 
• Experience directly authoring and executing test procedures, including acting as a test conductor for integrated system verification 
• Familiarity with hazardous operations, fluid system safety, or test execution involving pressurized or high-risk environments 
• Experience in a fast-paced and lean environment, including direct vendor engagement, tool development, or leading a small team through an ambiguous build or test effort