Manufacturing Engineer - Machine Shop

terranorbitalcorporation

Santa Maria, CA · Santa Maria · United States

Posted Aug 3, 2026

Full-time
CNC Manufacturing

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director, CNC Manufacturing, the Manufacturing Engineer will develop and implement optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. This role will manage manufacturing related projects and coordinate activities with various stakeholders. This role will be supporting manufacturing issues on existing product designs and new satellite mechanisms early in the design phase and providing critical design for manufacturability input, while developing and implementing the plan to move from design/test into build/production. This role will play a key part in supporting and optimizing operations within our machine shop to ensure seamless production and high-quality output.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and procedures for satellite structures, subassemblies, and components.
Assist with custom tooling, fixtures, and jigs to support efficient assembly and testing operations.
Work with Engineering to assist with redline drawings and drawing corrections.
Provide hands-on engineering support to the production floor, diagnosing and resolving process or equipment issues in real time.
Support product transition from design to full-scale manufacturing, collaborating across functional teams to ensure smooth ramp-up to production.
Drive continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance production efficiency, product reliability, and mission success.
Collaborate closely with Design Engineering to ensure product designs are optimized for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, while adhering to ANSI and ISO standards.
Partner with Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance with internal quality standards.
Serve as the primary engineering representative in daily and weekly program and production meetings, providing technical updates and progress reports to leadership.
Investigate, analyze, and resolve manufacturing and test discrepancies, coordinating with Quality and Design teams to address issues in design, fabrication, and assembly.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other related technical degree.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering function within a high reliability manufacturing environment, preferably in a CNC machine shop manufacturing environment.
Design software experience (AutoCAD or SolidWorks preferred)
In-depth knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant aerospace manufacturing standards.
Experience with DFMEA/FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
Able to work well in an integrated team including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment.
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., D365, Aegis).
Demonstrated proficiency in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$85,000—$125,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
401(k) Match
Flexible Time Off (FTO)
Education Reimbursement
Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.