Manufacturing Engineer – Hall Effect Thruster Production (BHT-350)

Summary

Busek is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of our BHT-350 Hall Effect Thruster and related electric propulsion hardware. This hands-on role is responsible for developing, documenting, and improving manufacturing processes that support the assembly, integration, testing, and delivery of flight-qualified propulsion systems.

The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with hardware, solving manufacturing challenges, and collaborating with engineering, quality, supply chain, and production teams to transition advanced aerospace technologies into repeatable production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the manufacturing and production of BHT-350 Hall Effect Thrusters and associated propulsion subsystem hardware.
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, travelers, and assembly procedures.
• Provide hands-on support for thruster assembly, integration, acceptance testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Design and implement production tooling, fixtures, and process controls to improve quality, throughput, and repeatability.
• Partner with Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Test Engineering to transition new designs into manufacturing.
• Investigate manufacturing non-conformances, test failures, and production issues; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and manufacturability.
• Support configuration management, traceability, and documentation requirements for aerospace hardware.
• Assist with production planning and capacity improvements to meet customer delivery schedules.
• Support implementation and optimization of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and digital manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, customer requirements, and export control regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting aerospace, defense, electronics, precision mechanical assemblies, or similar high-reliability products.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floor.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing and test issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, bills of material, and configuration control practices.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting electric propulsion, spacecraft hardware, vacuum systems, plasma systems, or aerospace manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Hall Effect Thrusters or other spacecraft propulsion technologies.
• Experience operating or supporting environmental, vacuum, or acceptance testing activities.
• Experience with MES platforms such as Manufacturo, Epicor MES, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100, IPC standards, and aerospace quality requirements.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments and handling flight hardware.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the space industry

U.S. Citizenship Requirement

Due to the nature of work performed under U.S. Government contracts and export-controlled programs, applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to comply with all applicable export control and contractual requirements.