Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer

Position Title: Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer

Date Reviewed: 23 APR 2024

Position Type: Regular, Exempt

Rate of Pay: DOE

Position Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

FTE: 1.0

Supervises Others: Yes ☐ No ☒

Position Summary:

Since its inception in 2004, GEOST has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Northern VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. GEOST is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

GEOST seeks a highly capable Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer to join the Manufacturing Design (MFD) Engineering team. This position is primarily responsible for ensuring programs are supported in assembly planning, preparation, and execution of all variations of customer deliverable hardware as well as being a key reviewer and supporting agent for design feedback. We have a great team of MFD Engineers looking to establish, grow, and optimize our production capabilities. 

This role will serve as the Manufacturing Design Engineering Technical Lead for one of GEOST’s program and will also be responsible for playing a pivotal role in overseeing suppliers are maintaining technical integrity ensuring successful execution of the program within schedule, budget, and quality parameters. As the MFD Engineer you will serve as the technical voice for the cross functional supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure suppliers are able to meet and exceed technical and manufacturing requirements at the necessary rates. MFD will be supported by the other functional groups to ensure the planning and execution of Integration and Production efforts meet program and company objectives. With the support of this broader team, MFD will be delivering fully validated products that meet specifications, cost, schedule, and quality targets.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop positive relationships with suppliers and work closely with supply chain to manage, implement and track supplier/engineering, design changes, capacity studies and New Product Introductions.
• Responsible for the TRL/MRL artifact completion
• Ability to balance technical rigor with cost competitiveness.
• Assess new and existing supplier capabilities to meet product technical integrity, cost, quality, capacity and fulfillment ensuring suppliers can meet AS9100 requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership to sourcing and development of suppliers with respect to system requirements flowdown, technology, performance, quality, cost, logistics and delivery.
• Provide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain regarding product development and procurement of parts.
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis to collaborate with suppliers.
• Support DFx initiatives by providing input during the product design phase to optimize manufacturability, testability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with cross-functional team member(s) and/or Program Leads/Managers to ensure that assembly and test activities are properly planned and common assets (lab space, STE, etc.) are allocated.
• Active management of cost/schedule/risk/opportunities assessment for assembly/test plans including facility capability and other capacity drivers
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Manufacturing Design Engineers, serving as the focal point for resolving technical challenges and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Provide recommendations to minimize cost and schedule impacts of unforeseen issues as they arise.
• Act as the primary interface to program management, offering regular updates and insights on project status, milestones, and technical requirements.
• Develop comprehensive program plans for the manufacturing team, outlining key objectives, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Drive the execution of program plans, coordinating efforts across cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality manufacturing solutions.
• Continuously assess and improve manufacturing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Measure and improve quality of MFD and Production output and deliverables.
• Drive MFD and Production technology development opportunities in line with future business forecasts.
• Deliver Products fully validated with no Quality escapes.
• Support Quality in maintaining ISO certification standards with all processes.
• Oversees the development of new processes, methods, and production controls.
• Supports deployment of new equipment and ensures that it operates correctly and meets requirements; trains others to operate.
• Prepares and maintains operations Work Instructions for new or existing equipment and tools.
• Maintains knowledge of new and developing manufacturing technology, equipment, and applications; applies this knowledge to recommend and implement new technology and processes.

Required Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge

• An ideal candidate in this role would be knowledgeable and experienced in Systems Engineering, Supplier Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering of complex Space Electro-Optical Systems
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and/or significant industry experience in engineering, physics, mathematics, and/or computer science
• Exceptional understanding and experience with engineering drawings and flow down of technical requirements
• Strong problem-solving skills and expertise to develop and execute objectives for self and others and the ability to effect short-term and some long-term business goals.
• Experience in Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and program management.
• 5+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer required.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Superior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skills.
• Vast experience with cross functional management
• Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight.
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis to collaborate with suppliers.
• Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing.
• Solid ability to organize.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess problems or issues with manufacturing equipment, tools, and processes.
• Extensive knowledge of production principles and techniques
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software.
• Interpersonal conflict resolution skills
• An active USG Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Clearance. Current SSBI is preferred.

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