Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the industrialization of our propulsion products and to coordinate the manufacturing efforts across design, production, quality, and integration. This high-impact role bridges strategy and execution, shaping our manufacturing roadmap while mentoring our engineering team through process scale-up, factory readiness, and supply chain development. The ideal candidate combines deep manufacturing expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for building space hardware in a growing environment.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Manufacturing Strategy & Industrialization:

• Support and lead the industrialization plan for propulsion systems from engineering prototype to serial production, working together with the key functions (Additive, Integration and Quality Engineers).
• Evaluate make-versus-buy decisions, facility capabilities, and outsourcing strategies in coordination with leadership.
• Translate system-level requirements into detailed manufacturing workflows.

Process Development & Optimization:

• Design and optimize end-to-end manufacturing flows integrating additive, subtractive, and assembly processes.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0/5.0 principles to increase throughput, reduce waste, and ensure manufacturability.
• Oversee implementation and refinement of MES and digital twin infrastructure.

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership:

• Serve as a technical bridge across Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Integration teams, ensuring consistency and manufacturability.
• Drive resolution of cross-domain issues related to DFM, DFT, and system integration.
• Support junior engineers and review technical deliverables across disciplines.

Project Management & Execution:

• Lead multi-stakeholder projects, aligning engineering, procurement, quality, and external suppliers toward production milestones.
• Develop project timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plans.
• Report KPIs on industrialization progress and manufacturing readiness.

Supplier & Equipment Oversight:

• Participate in supplier identification, audits, and onboarding.
• Oversee procurement, installation, and validation of production equipment and tooling.
• Ensure all equipment meets safety, quality, and performance requirements.

Mandatory Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing or hardware industrialization, preferably in aerospace or automotive sectors.
• Strong knowledge of additive manufacturing (SLM/PBF), machining, and precision assembly techniques.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing ecosystems.
• Proficiency in CAD, PLM, and production data analysis (e.g., MES, ERP).
• Proficiency in analysis techniques such as FMEA/FMECA, and familiarity with international quality standards (ISO 9001, AS 9100) and space quality standards (ESA ECSS-Q)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to handle complex quality issues in a high-stakes environment.
• Fluent in both English and Italian, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in space systems manufacturing (thrusters, satellite subsystems, etc.).
• Track record of scaling production from prototypes to volume manufacturing.

You’re a fit if you:

• Thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on startup where you own your impact.
• Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Value collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Take initiative and deliver under pressure with high autonomy.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: Up to €50,000/year (commensurate with experience)
• Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

In addition, you will receive the following benefits:

• Flexible work hours & well-being–first culture
• Professional development (conferences, training)
• Company-sponsored activities and team-building events