Manufacturing Engineer II: Composites

Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability.
In the commercial market, our Dauntless launch vehicle provides reliable and cost-effective access to orbit.
In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next-generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications.

In this role you will facilitate and optimize design and production of Launch Vehicle and Missile Engine composites items for a high-growth production environment, ensuring standard manufacturing principles are practiced meeting stringent deadlines. This position will work closely and develop strong relationships with all engineering disciplines, technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable effective integration and testing the launch vehicle.

We are a fast-paced, mission-driven team tackling some of the hardest problems in aerospace.  Success at Vaya requires personal leadership, strong technical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.  Every team member contributes across disciplines, stepping up where needed to drive innovation forward.
If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of space and defense, Vaya Space is the place to do it.

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and test requirements.

Work with Technicians to develop work instructions to clearly define manufacturing process, develop training materials, and train technicians in processes.

Design tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support composite parts manufacturing.

Preparation of detail design data packs including laminating books.

Develop and document processes for composite filament winding and hand layups.

Design of proper material handling, packaging, and labeling to protect and identify hardware throughout the build and test process.

Interaction with structural analysts to ensure performance objectives are met.

Provide hands-on engineering support to hardware prototype development and testing.

Directly support testing operations and efforts, gaining opportunities to influence designs, improve processes and increase reliability.

Engage with design engineers to review and approve part and tooling assemblies, updating, and offering input based on improved Design for Manufacturing (DfM) concepts or solutions.

Research and coordinate implementation of upgraded processes and designs to take advantage of new capabilities and technology advancements.

Continuous development of design methodologies and best practices.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline

4+ years’ experience as a Manufacturing / Production / Process Engineer ideally for electromechanical systems

Sound working knowledge of composite design and manufacturing processes.

Practical experience with composite part production and testing.

Proven experience in an industrial environment for the delivery from concept to manufacture of high-performance composite components and assemblies.

Proficient user of CAD for composite design definition

Ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel with changeable priorities.

Demonstratable experience for the development of multiple composite design solutions for a diverse set of applications.

Familiarity with industry standards and references (e.g., MIL-HDBK-5/17, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001, GSFC-STD-7000)

Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.

Familiarity with the requirements of engineering for the space environment

Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.

To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Preferred Skills and Education

Experience with NX and other CAD software

Experience with composite design and production for spacecraft or other aerospace applications

Knowledge of production quality metrics

Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.

IQ / PQ process driven project completion

PPS problem solving

Implementation of large capital projects into a production environment