Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion Verified today

About Cowboy Space Corp

Cowboy Space Corporation is building modular, scalable satellites that collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit. These satellites transmit energy via infrared lasers, power on-orbit high-performance computing, and provide secure optical data transport. The company is establishing infrastructure for the orbital economy, supporting space industrial operations, in-space servicing and manufacturing, remote regions, and military bases.

About the Role

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will establish manufacturing processes for rocket engines as Cowboy Space builds a factory from the ground up. You will make key decisions about how hardware gets made, equipment purchases, and process development rather than inheriting existing systems.

Manufacturing Engineering here is not a support function. You will be accountable for delivering hardware. You will direct design-for-manufacturability (DFM) for new and existing components, set the manufacturing direction for parts you own, define how they get built and inspected, specify tooling and equipment, and own the result when hardware reaches the build cell.

This role adapts to changing program needs and your strengths. We seek candidates with broad experience across programs and processes who understand different manufacturing methods and why they are chosen.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the manufacturing concept of operations (CONOPS) and DFM strategy for your hardware, covering production methods, equipment selection, and build sequence
• Support facility layout and planning. Identify, specify, and purchase capital equipment. Install, integrate, and qualify the equipment
• Design tooling and fixtures to support machining, welding, assembly, handling and transport
• Lead the process qualification plan for your hardware in partnership with Materials, Processes and Quality teams. Manage supplier interactions for externally routed parts and processes
• Oversee the qualification of new processes brought in-house
• Author all build documentation for your hardware, including routings, work instructions, process specifications, and manufacturing bill of materials
• Own your hardware's delivery, build cycle time, yield, and rate readiness. Scale the process from first article to repeatable production
• Ensure configuration and pedigree are tracked throughout build and test. Manage nonconforming hardware disposition, lead rework and repair efforts, and resolve root causes
• Mentor team members within and outside the manufacturing engineering group

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years hands-on experience in hardware manufacturing using machining, additive manufacturing, welding, brazing, forming, casting, forging, cleaning, non-destructive testing, precision assembly, and acceptance testing
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience
• Comprehensive understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing principles, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5, tolerance stack analysis, and dimensional inspection techniques (CMM, Faro Arm, Blue Light Scan, manual inspection)
• Demonstrated hands-on ownership of build and assembly processes on the manufacturing floor
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as NX, Solidworks, Creo, or CATIA
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to facilitate and resolve challenging technical discussions
• Experience evaluating and dispositioning nonconforming hardware and developing detailed rework or repair plans

Preferred Qualifications

• Background spanning multiple product lines and manufacturing methods
• Proven track record in establishing new factories or production lines, and/or transferring qualified manufacturing processes between sites
• Extensive development-phase involvement, including taking hardware from concept through first article and qualification to repeatable production at rate
• Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software
• Demonstrated ability to develop work instructions and process specifications and qualify them through ongoing conversations and iteration
• Proven skillset in design, analysis, and procurement of tooling for manufacturing and assembly applications throughout product lifecycle
• Proficiency in Siemens-based CAM and/or machine languages

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $175,000-$220,000 annually. Actual base salary depends on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.