Spacecraft Build Reliability & Configuration Engineer

Location: San Jose, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $120,000 – $160,000 USD

About The Role

We are seeking a Build Reliability & Configuration Engineer to play a critical role in enabling rapid, high-quality spacecraft production. This position sits at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and systems, ensuring that hardware moves seamlessly from design to build with complete accuracy and minimal friction.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex workflow challenges, and is motivated to eliminate inefficiencies while maintaining rigorous configuration control. You will own the systems and processes that ensure alignment between design intent and physical hardware.

What You’ll Do

Own and manage the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, ensuring alignment between “as-designed” and “as-built” configurations
Architect and maintain the “source of truth” across engineering and manufacturing systems, including integration with ERP tools
Lead configuration control processes, including Change Control Board (CCB) activities and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring rapid and accurate implementation
Design and implement full hardware traceability for flight-critical components, from procurement through final integration
Evaluate and optimize engineering and manufacturing workflows, eliminating non-value-added steps and improving efficiency
Partner closely with design engineers and production technicians to ensure manufacturability and rapid feedback loops
Develop automated systems and “guardrails” within PLM/ERP tools to prevent configuration errors and improve data integrity
Support continuous improvement initiatives across build, integration, and configuration management processes

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience in configuration management, manufacturing engineering, or a related role in a high-performance hardware environment
Strong experience with PLM/ERP systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar)
Deep understanding of Bills of Materials (BOMs), configuration control, and product data management
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and production teams
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in complex technical environments

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) for complex hardware systems
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring schematics, and 3D CAD models
Familiarity with aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing environments
Experience with data automation or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL, Power BI)
Hands-on, execution-focused mindset with the ability to quickly implement practical solutions

Why Join

Direct impact on the development and production of next-generation spacecraft systems
High ownership role with visibility across engineering and manufacturing
Opportunity to build and optimize critical processes from the ground up
Collaborative, fast-moving environment focused on innovation and execution
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