Early to Mid-Career Manufacturing Engineer

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy. Role: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer for the design, analysis, and optimization of complex mechanical systems, including spacecraft, structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment. Responsibilities Develop assembly drawings and assembly work instructions Execute redlines, fixes, nonconformance resolution, and problem solving during critical build and test phases for programs Create assembly build trees Design custom ground support equipment (GSE) Work closely with design engineers and build/test team to bridge technical communication Strong focus on continuous improvement, DFA, and manufacturability Perform environmental and performance testing to validate designs and ensure compliance Work closely with the Systems Engineering team to ensure mechanical systems integrate effectively with overall mission objectives and interfacing hardware Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) principles to enhance design efficiency, reduce component and process count, and ensure consistent performance. Rapidly iterate on designs and analyses to inform system-level trades and product direction Foster effective communication with team members. Maintain positive working relationships and promote a productive work environment Provide SME input in the development of engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans Experience, Qualifications, and Characteristics · Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline. 2+ years of experience in design, fabrication, and/or test for mechanical systems Ability to work independently and take on own tasks Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools. Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, including design, fabrication, and testing Strong background in manufacturing methods and processes Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal · Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3-5 days a week on site) out of our Lafayette, CO office Nice to Have 5+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for mechanical systems Experience with SolidWorks, Ansys, and MATLAB Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710) Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches Experience taking a product from concept to operation Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond) Experience in a startup environment Deep understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, includi