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Pre Production Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participate and/or support process FMEAs to understand process and product risks as a pre-requisite ... Apply Good Engineering Practices (GEP) to drive site engineering and operational excellence.

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Pre Production Engineer information

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$50.5K

$131.7K

$144K

How much do pre production engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pre production engineer in the United States is $131,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Pre Production Engineer faces during the transition from design to manufacturing?

Pre Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as resolving discrepancies between design intent and manufacturability, ensuring that prototypes meet both quality standards and production deadlines, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to implement design changes efficiently. They must balance tight timelines with the need for thorough testing and validation, all while addressing unforeseen technical issues that arise before mass production. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial as they work closely with design, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams to ensure a smooth product launch.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. High-level managerial or specialized roles in these disciplines tend to have the highest compensation packages.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pre Production Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Pre Production Engineer, you need a solid background in manufacturing processes, quality control, and product design, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and ensuring production readiness. These competencies are crucial for minimizing errors, optimizing workflows, and delivering high-quality products efficiently.

What is a pre-production engineer?

A pre-production engineer is responsible for planning and preparing all technical aspects before manufacturing or filming begins. This includes designing processes, coordinating with teams, and ensuring equipment and resources are ready. The role often requires knowledge of engineering principles, project management, and relevant tools or software.

What are Pre Production Engineers?

Pre Production Engineers are professionals who plan, coordinate, and oversee the processes and activities that occur before full-scale manufacturing begins. Their responsibilities often include designing prototypes, testing materials, validating processes, and collaborating with design and production teams to ensure smooth transition from development to manufacturing. They play a critical role in identifying potential issues early, optimizing production workflows, and ensuring that products meet quality and cost standards before mass production starts.

What is the difference between Pre Production Engineer vs Production Engineer?

AspectPre Production EngineerProduction Engineer
Primary FocusPlanning, design, and preparation before manufacturing beginsOverseeing and managing the manufacturing process
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project planning sitesFactory floors, manufacturing plants
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CAD skills, project management knowledgeEngineering degree, process optimization skills, technical expertise

Pre Production Engineers focus on planning and designing products before production starts, ensuring readiness and efficiency. Production Engineers manage the manufacturing process, optimizing operations and resolving issues during production. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.
More about Pre Production Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pre Production Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pre Production Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Pre Production Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pre Production Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pre Production Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,667 per year, or $63.3 per hour.
Production Development Technician (Optical)

Production Development Technician (Optical)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$33 - $40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (OPTICAL) 

The production development technician will be a hands-on liaison with engineering, helping to carry out ideas from concept to reality. A strong background in troubleshooting, manufacturing, R&D, and qualification testing is desired. The goal of the team is support production engineering through all phases of product life-cycles, including build and test of pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware, as well as supporting existing production lines and managing rework of non-conforming hardware. As a development technician, you will also be responsible for supporting engineering on planned and unplanned repairs, modifications, and upgrades of production systems. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Support production engineering during development and pre-production phases of hardware life-cycles, including building pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware 
  • Assist with transitioning product lines from engineering development to full rate production 
  • Support production engineering in the setup and activation of production lines and development and qualification of hardware test setups 
  • Support engineering in rework and recovery efforts on non-conforming hardware 
  • Support of existing production lines, including tooling fabrication, test rack builds (structure, low voltage, and network), test system maintenance, factory automation projects, and general production improvement projects 
  • Build, repair, and rework harnessing to support mechanical and electrical assemblies as well as ground support equipment and development/qualification test assets 
  • Assist with maintenance of HITL, continuous integration, and qualification satellite hardware 
  • Assist with satellite and qualification hardware movements around the site 
  • Provide targeted surge support for company critical production or qualification test efforts 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate 
  • 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, mechanical builds, equipment assembly/test OR a bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Experience working with engineers in development and production environments 
  • Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision 
  • Positive attitude and able to work well on a team 
  • Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes and parts 
  • Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail 
  • Able to read and interpret wiring schematics and assembly drawings 
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted 
  • Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces 
  • Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls 
  • Must be willing to work all shifts, over time, and weekends as needed 
  • Must be willing to travel up to 20%
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $23.00 - $29.00
Level 2: $28.00 - $34.50
Level 3: $33.00 - $40.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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