Manager, Spacecraft Manufacturing

Job description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.   With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.  Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space. Key Responsibilities At ispaceUS, we are building the technologies and capabilities that will enable a sustainable future in space. We are seeking a Manager, Lander Manufacturing to lead the team responsible for manufacturing, assembly, and integration of our lunar landers, ensuring our spacecraft meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and flight readiness. In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, overseeing manufacturing planning, production processes, and technical execution throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to drive manufacturing readiness, resolve technical challenges, and build a high-performing team committed to mission success. Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of manufacturing engineers and technicians, providing technical direction, performance feedback, career development, and fostering a collaborative, accountable team culture. Oversee manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing activities to ensure spacecraft flightworthiness, system functionality, and compliance with program requirements. Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and represent Manufacturing during Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and other program milestones. Partner with Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), ensuring designs incorporate efficient production methods, industry best practices, and practical assembly considerations. Develop and maintain manufacturing build sequences, standard work instructions, and production documentation to ensure consistency, configuration control, traceability, and flight hardware pedigree. Oversee parts inventory management within the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, ensuring accurate tracking, accountability, and material traceability. Direct the design and fabrication of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), assembly fixtures, and tooling required for spacecraft production. Collaborate with Systems Engineering and other technical teams on requirements, risk assessments, verification and validation activities, and technical reviews throughout design, development, and qualification testing. Proactively identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, coordinating with cross-functional leaders to minimize schedule impacts and maintain program execution. Establish and maintain manufacturing processes, technical documentation, revision control, and Material Review Board (MRB) software training and utilization. Develop training and mentorship programs to strengthen team capabilities in manufacturing processes, tools, equipment, and technical requirements. Drive continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, process optimization, and implementation of manufacturing best practices. Support manufacturing facility improvements, equipment selection, production layouts, and operational planning to improve efficiency and support program growth. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience. 7+ years of experience in the development, manufacturing, assembly, or integration of aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or similarly complex aerospace systems. Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, or providing technical direction in a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, spacecraft fabrication, assembly techniques, and testing methodologies. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation. Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, or production plans for complex hardware systems. Demonstrated ability to identify technical challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive execution in a highly adaptive, fast-paced environment. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a commitment to accountability, integrity, and collaboration. What Makes You Stand Out Previous people management experience, including team development, performance management, coaching, and mentoring engineers or technicians. Experience leading spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing activities for flight hardware programs. Demonstrated success driving manufacturing readiness, supporting major program reviews, and transitioning complex hardware designs into production. Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Lean manufacturing practices, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement initiatives. Familiarity with MRP systems, material traceability, configuration management, and MRB processes in an aerospace manufacturing environment. Experience designing or overseeing fabrication of MGSE, production tooling, and assembly fixtures. Working knowledge of engineering analysis principles, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis. Proven ability to build high-performing teams, navigate competing priorities, resolve conflicts, and collaborate effectively across technical disciplines. A leadership style that promotes trust, accountability, innovation, and an inclusive team culture. A passion for space exploration and a commitment to developing the people, processes, and hardware that will enable successful lunar missions. At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.  To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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. Learn more about the ITAR .here.    ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.  All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws. ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.  ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.