Manufacturing Production Process Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

We are looking for a part-time Manufacturing Production Process Engineer (MTS Casual III- Technical Project Management). This position, as part of CSG NASA Programs Division, will support the Aerospace Program Office at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (remotely), with travel to multiple NASA centers across the country.  The Aerospace Corporation seeks a highly experienced manufacturing and production operations leader to support an independent assessment of NASA manufacturing capabilities for the Moon to Mars (M2M) Program Office under the NSEETS contract vehicle. This casual position will provide critical expertise in aerospace manufacturing scale-up, tooling operations, launch site infrastructure, and production management to assess NASA's transition from small-scale bespoke production to large-scale flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) manufacturing. 

The successful candidate will conduct on-site assessments at multiple NASA Centers (KSC, MSFC, JSC, Michoud), provide expert analysis on production capabilities, and deliver actionable recommendations for ramping up manufacturing operations while maintaining flight quality standards. 

This is a casual (flexible part time) position. The selected candidate will be required to work part-time remote and occasionally be required to travel to work on-site at NASA Centers (KSC, MSFC, JSC, Michoud)

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Conduct comprehensive on-site assessments of manufacturing and production capabilities at NASA Centers including Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Michoud Assembly Facility 
• Evaluate tooling operations, machining capabilities, 3D metrology systems, and production infrastructure 
• Assess current state operations including throughput, capacity, workforce capabilities, and quality systems 
• Document facility infrastructure, equipment, and environmental controls 
• Analyze flight hardware and GSE production processes and interface requirements 
• Provide expert evaluation of transition requirements from prototype to production-scale operations  
• Analyze requirements for scaling from bespoke to large-scale repeatable production 
• Provide recommendations on manufacturing process optimization and lean manufacturing principles
• Assess workforce expansion, training, and skill development requirements 
• Evaluate tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and capital equipment needs 
• Identify opportunities for automation, advanced manufacturing, and technology insertion 
• Develop strategies for improving production efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards 
• Provide oversight of NASA Center implementation of manufacturing recommendations 
• Conduct periodic site visits to monitor progress and verify compliance 
• Support resolution of technical issues during implementation 
• Assess effectiveness of implemented improvements and track key performance indicators 
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination across NASA Centers 
• Document lessons learned and implementation successes 
• Prepare detailed assessment reports for each NASA Center 
• Contribute to production scale-up analysis and strategic roadmap development 
• Provide realistic cost and schedule estimates based on hands-on manufacturing experience 
• Deliver technical briefings to M2M Program Office leadership 
• Support development of implementation plans and performance metrics 

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer (Engineering Program Management) 

Minimum Requirements: 

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering/science or another applicable STEM area 
• Minimum 15 years of progressive aerospace manufacturing experience with demonstrated expertise in: 
• Flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) production 
• Launch site infrastructure development and operations 
• Minimum 10 years of leadership/management experience including: 
• Supervision of skilled technicians and manufacturing teams (50+ personnel) 
• Management of tooling, machining, and metrology operations 
• Demonstrated experience with production scale-up including: 
• Production scale-up from development/prototype to full-rate production
• Implementing lean manufacturing principles 
• Expansion of manufacturing facilities and capabilities
• Managing rapid growth in dynamic, high-pressure environments 
• Deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, tooling, and machining operations 
• Expertise in 3D metrology, precision alignment, and quality control systems 
• Experience with launch site construction, infrastructure development, and operations 
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100 knowledge preferred) 
• Comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and procedures in aerospace manufacturing environments 
• Experience with human-rated spaceflight systems and operations 
• Define, design, investigate, and optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, installation, processing, and finishing operations
• Develop and adapt machine and equipment designs to optimize factory conditions, production efficiency, and manufacturing techniques
• Verify, test, and identify potential improvements to process performance, efficiency, and production sequences
• Guide product design engineering teams to leverage optimal equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques
• Ensures quality deviations comply with reliability standards. 
• Prepare and maintain documentation, statistical data, and reports demonstrating compliance with regulations and requirements
• Apply Lean tools, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control to drive continuous improvement
• Effective communication and presentation skills for executive-level audiences 
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 25%
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Direct experience at NASA Centers or supporting NASA programs 
• Knowledge of NASA standards, processes, and quality requirements (NPRs, NASA-STDs) 
• Experience with marine recovery operations and offshore logistics 
• Familiarity with FAA and Range Safety requirements for launch operations 
• Experience with construction project management and infrastructure development 
• Background in supply chain management and supplier qualification process
• Journeyman certification in relevant trade (Moldmaker, Machinist, Tool & Die) 
• Previous experience with SpaceX, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, or other New Space manufacturers 
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or quality management system auditing experience 
• Experience implementing new manufacturing techniques and process improvements 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$1.00 - $100.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.