Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Company Overview

Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company delivers affordable, high-performance space systems for exacting customers. At Millennium, you will be part of a close-knit team working on exciting technological problems. We work in an open environment where ideas are shared across all disciplines, and there are ample opportunities for advancement based on excellence. Superstars are welcome.

At Millennium, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and innovative, with great opportunities for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Job Summary

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer leads the definition, qualification, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes that deliver high‑performance satellite hardware on the aggressive timelines that define our mission. With 15   years of aerospace or related industry experience, you will provide technical ownership, strategic guidance, and cross‑functional leadership to scale production from low‑rate to full‑rate while championing our values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, and Agility.

This position's internal job code is Manufacturing Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for levels 5-6.

Responsibilities

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Scalability – Partner with VP Engineering and Systems Engineering to embed DFM early in concept and detailed design phases. Own transition plans from prototype to high‑rate production, establishing scalable workcells and modular assembly lines
• Performance & Quality Leadership – Set quantitative targets for first‑pass yield , cycle‑time reduction (≥20 % vs. current baseline), and cost of poor quality. Direct advanced testing strategies and ensure compliance with IPC‑A‑600/610, NASA‑STD‑8739.1, and emerging CMMC requirements
• Schedule Ownership – Provide executive scenario planning for production scaling. Integrate manufacturing schedules with supply‑chain master plans, flagging risks to VP Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Transformation – Champion Lean, Six‑Sigma, and digital‑thread initiatives across the ATLO and assembly lines. Mentor senior engineers and lead Kaizen events
• Mentorship & Talent Development – Coach and develop the next generation of manufacturing engineers, aligning with HR’s retention goals. Represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross‑functional councils (Quality, Supply Chain, Operations) to embed a “quality‑first” mindset
• Stakeholder Communication – Produce executive‑level dashboards and quarterly reports on manufacturing health, risk, and improvement outcomes. Act as the primary technical liaison for customers and program managers on manufacturability and schedule confidence
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related engineering (ABET‑accredited)
• Experience – 15   years in manufacturing, mechanical/electrical/test engineering within aerospace, defense, or high‑mix, low‑volume industries. Proven track record scaling satellite or complex electronic hardware from prototype to serial production
• Technical Mastery – Deep knowledge of IPC‑A‑600/610, NASA‑STD‑8739.1, IPC‑6012/4101/7711C‑7721C, and modern Lean/Six‑Sigma tools
• Problem‑Solving – Demonstrated expertise in root‑cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, Five Whys) and implementation of corrective actions with measurable results
• Leadership – Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and delivering on large‑scale technical programs
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Security Clearance Post-Start is required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering (ABET‑accredited)
• Certified IPC‑A‑600/610 or equivalent process‑audit certification
• Hands‑on experience with PCB/PCBA manufacturing, Altium Designer, and high‑frequency RF assemblies
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, digital twins, or AI‑enabled process monitoring
• Prior work on DoD or NASA programs; familiarity with CMMC and other cybersecurity standards for manufacturing
  
  

Summary Pay-Range

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only of what is reasonably expected to be paid for the position. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

• Level 5: $142,800 - $210,000
• Level 6: $174,250 - $256,250
  
  

Before Applying, Please Note

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

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Mandatory Security Clearance and Access Process Disqualifying Criteria