Contract Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California

Why LeoLabs?

At LeoLabs, we're building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.

We're not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.

If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will help bridge the gap between engineering and production, ensuring our hardware is designed for efficient, repeatable manufacturing. You will work closely with design engineers, supply chain, and contract manufacturers to develop production processes, improve manufacturability, and guide new products from prototype builds into production. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys solving practical problems and building manufacturing systems that scale. 

You will support manufacturing across printed circuit board assemblies, electromechanical systems, and complex radar hardware while helping establish the processes, documentation, and workflows that enable reliable production. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Menlo Park, California. 

You will be responsible for: 

• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews throughout the hardware development lifecycle 
• Develop manufacturing processes, work instructions, and assembly documentation for complex radar hardware 
• Serve as the primary technical interface between Hardware Engineering and contract manufacturers 
• Support prototype builds and guide products through New Product Introduction (NPI) into production 
• Partner with engineering to improve manufacturability, serviceability, and production readiness of PCBAs and electromechanical assemblies 
• Develop production tooling, fixtures, inspection methods, and manufacturing workflows 
• Support root cause investigations and implement process improvements that improve quality, yield, and throughput 
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure manufacturing documentation, BOMs, and production releases are complete and accurate 
• Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes, documentation, and factory readiness 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline 
• 7+ years of experience supporting the manufacture of complex electronic or electromechanical products 
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles for PCBAs and mechanical assemblies 
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) from prototype through production 
• Working knowledge of PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, panelization, IPC workmanship standards, and electronics manufacturing processes 
• Experience creating manufacturing documentation, assembly instructions, and production workflows 
• Familiarity with Arena or another PLM system, NetSuite or another ERP system, and SolidWorks 
• Excellent communication skills with experience working across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and external suppliers 
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. personnel security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting low- to medium-volume production of complex hardware systems 
• Experience working directly with contract manufacturers and electronics suppliers 
• Familiarity with PCB test strategies, fixture development, and manufacturing validation 
• Experience with root cause analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies 
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware products 
• Experience developing scalable manufacturing processes in a fast-paced engineering environment 

Within 1 month, you'll: 

• Complete onboarding and become familiar with LeoLabs' products, manufacturing workflows, and hardware development process 
• Learn our existing production processes, contract manufacturers, and documentation systems 
• Begin supporting active prototype and production builds  

Within 3 months, you'll: 

• Lead DFM reviews for active hardware programs  
• Develop manufacturing documentation and assembly processes for new products  
• Establish working relationships with our contract manufacturers and key suppliers  

Within 6 months, you'll: 

• Drive multiple products through prototype builds and into production 
• Improve manufacturing workflows, documentation, and production readiness across the Hardware Engineering organization 
• Become the technical lead for manufacturing process development on new hardware programs 

Within 12 months, you'll: 

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities across multiple radar development programs 
• Deliver scalable production processes that improve quality, yield, and manufacturability 
• Establish yourself as the technical authority on how LeoLabs designs hardware for efficient manufacturing and long-term production success 

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $148,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits  

Compensation Note: The salary range for this position is benchmarked based on the designated primary work location for the role. Final compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate's work location, applicable market data, experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Perks and Benefits

• Global workforce: flexible remote/hybrid opportunities
• Work on complex, meaningful missions with real-world impact
• Unlimited paid time off for most roles
• Competitive salary and equity packages
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to the forefront of commercial space operations and defense innovation

ITAR Requirements 

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC's website.  

Vendor Notification

LeoLabs does not engage external staffing agencies or third-party recruiting firms for this role. Unsolicited candidate submissions will not be considered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.