What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machining & Manufacturing Engineer position at Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.?
iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is pioneering fully autonomous, fully reusable small launch vehicles for responsive access to space. We leverage cutting-edge propulsion, reuse, and sustainable propellant technologies to make launch more frequent, lower cost, and eco-friendly. We are headquartered in New Hyde Park, NY.
The Role
As a Machining & Manufacturing Engineer at iRocket, you will own the development, optimization, and scaling of high-precision manufacturing processes for rocket hardware. You will work cross-functionally with design, test, supply chain, and quality teams to mature processes from prototype through production. You will report to the Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering.
- Develop, validate, and refine machining processes (CNC turning, milling, EDM, grinding, etc.) for rocket components
- Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability, offer design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback, and propose design changes where beneficial
- Create and maintain manufacturing BOMs, process flows, work instructions, and SOPs
- Support installation, calibration, qualification, and commissioning of new machines and tooling
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for production issues and drive corrective and preventive actions
- Implement process controls, error-proofing, statistical monitoring, and quality gates
- Participate in manufacturability reviews and design reviews to provide input from a manufacturing perspective
- Document and drive continuous improvement in process maturity, standardization, and scaling
- Support aerospace / defense compliance efforts (e.g. AS9100, aerospace quality standards)
- Occasionally support mission-critical deadlines which may require non-standard hours
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
- 3 years of experience in machining / manufacturing engineering in aerospace, defense, or precision industries
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, fixtures, tooling, materials, machining best practices
- Hands-on experience developing machining processes, tooling, fixturing
- Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
- Ability to work cross-functionally, strong problem solving, and data analysis skills
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Master’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
- Experience with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP, etc.)
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing, welding, exotic materials, or hybrid manufacturing methods
- Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Kaizen)
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM or manufacturing software (e.g. NX, SolidWorks, Mastercam, etc.)
- Experience in propulsion, space, or high-reliability systems
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Wellness Resources