Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer (AIT)- Permian Basin, TX

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer (AIT) to join a high‑impact team supporting the production, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft hardware for a next‑generation satellite constellation. This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical, focused on manufacturing processes, build optimization, and quality assurance for aerospace assemblies rather than mechanisms design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute and optimize build processes for spacecraft hardware including structures, mechanical assemblies, deployment hardware, actuators, and precision components.

• Develop and maintain work instructions, build documentation, and production travelers to support efficient, repeatable assembly operations.

• Support AIT technicians on the manufacturing floor by resolving build blockers, improving processes, and ensuring hardware meets engineering requirements.

• Develop, qualify, and operate tooling, jigs, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) for assembly, integration, vibration, shock, and thermal testing.

• Perform tolerance stack-up reviews, fit checks, alignment verification, and torque applications to ensure hardware is built to spec.

• Analyze production and test data; establish pass/fail criteria and support spacecraft integration and launch readiness.

• Lead and support root‑cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) for build issues, test anomalies, and non-conformances; drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, quality, supply chain, and technicians to ensure manufacturability, quality, and throughput from prototype to mass production.

• Recommend process improvements to reduce build time, increase reliability, and enhance product flow across production lines.

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of hands‑on experience in aerospace manufacturing, mechanical assembly, production engineering, or AIT of mechanical/electromechanical hardware.

• Proficiency in manufacturing processes, assembly operations, mechanical integration, and hardware testing.

• Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and test equipment (oscilloscopes, thermal chambers, metrology tools).

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, beam loading, torque application, tolerance stack-ups, and precision assembly practices.

• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities and experience supporting failure investigations or process issues.

• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployments).

Compensation:

• Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000+ depending on experience

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays

• Additional Benefits: Relocation assistance, RSUs, Meal Stipend, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)

• Must be eligible to work in the United States (United States Citizens or Greed Card holders) and pass a background check

• Location: 100% onsite in Midland, TX

Key words: Manufacturing engineering, aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft production, AIT (assembly integration and test), mechanical assembly, electromechanical assembly, deployment hardware, spacecraft structures, tooling design, fixture development, ground support equipment (GSE), production optimization, build processes, work instructions, manufacturing documentation, process improvement, DFM, DFA, GD&T, tolerance stack-up, alignment verification, torque application, quality assurance, RCCA, root cause analysis, non-conformance resolution, data analysis, test operations, vibration testing, thermal vacuum testing, Creo, SolidWorks, metrology tools, manufacturing equipment, high-rate production, supply chain collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, precision assemblies, aerospace hardware, continuous improvement, production readiness, assembly troubleshooting, launch operations support