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. 

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
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

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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.

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Oversee manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing activities to ensure spacecraft flightworthiness, system functionality, and compliance with program requirements.

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Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and represent Manufacturing during Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and other program milestones.

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Partner with Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), ensuring designs incorporate efficient production methods, industry best practices, and practical assembly considerations.

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Develop and maintain manufacturing build sequences, standard work instructions, and production documentation to ensure consistency, configuration control, traceability, and flight hardware pedigree.

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Oversee parts inventory management within the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, ensuring accurate tracking, accountability, and material traceability.

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Direct the design and fabrication of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), assembly fixtures, and tooling required for spacecraft production.

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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.

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Proactively identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, coordinating with cross-functional leaders to minimize schedule impacts and maintain program execution.

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Establish and maintain manufacturing processes, technical documentation, revision control, and Material Review Board (MRB) software training and utilization.

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Develop training and mentorship programs to strengthen team capabilities in manufacturing processes, tools, equipment, and technical requirements.

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Drive continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, process optimization, and implementation of manufacturing best practices.

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Support manufacturing facility improvements, equipment selection, production layouts, and operational planning to improve efficiency and support program growth.

Basic Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial

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