Manufacturing Engineer II (Arc Vehicle)
InversionPlaya Vista, California, United States · Posted 2 months agoDescription
Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.
What You'll Do
As a Manufacturing Engineer (Arc Vehicle) at Inversion, you will report directly to the Manager of Arc Vehicle Integration & Test. In this role, you will build, integrate, and test critical subsystems for our Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle. You will own the transition of designs from the engineering team to the integration floor, developing build sequences, assembly procedures, and floor tooling. You will work cross-functionally with design engineers and floor technicians to execute physical integration, troubleshoot hardware anomalies in real-time, and ensure flight hardware meets strict quality and schedule milestones.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and own the end-to-end vehicle assembly sequence, integration flow, and build plans for the Arc vehicle.
- Create and execute detailed vehicle assembly sequences and integration plans for critical Arc subsystems.
- Author, release, and maintain high-fidelity manufacturing work instructions, structural bonding procedures, and integration checklists.
- Design, build, and proof-load assembly fixtures, tooling, and ground support equipment (GSE) using CAD.
- Lead the disposition of floor non-conformances (MRB), perform rigorous root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for structural and mechanical integration issues.
- Coordinate directly with centralized shops to schedule and execute part deliveries, structural bonding, mechanical fabrication, and subassembly integration.
- Establish standard practices for precision mechanical joints, fasteners, adhesives, and critical interface alignments.
- Execute subassembly and vehicle-level mass properties, alignment measurements, and system checkouts.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
- Typically 2+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, hardware integration, structural assembly, or vehicle-level build environments.
- Proven experience authoring detailed assembly procedures, managing build configurations, and driving floor execution.
- Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or GSE in CAD (Siemens NX or equivalent) and applying standard GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
- Direct experience with structural bonding, composite assembly, mechanical fastening, or thermal protection system (TPS) integration.
- Familiarity with Material Review Board (MRB) processes, non-conformance tracking, and root-cause analysis.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or high-reliability aerospace hardware assembly.
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