Full Job Description
Manufacturing/Production Engineer - Space Electronics
Department: Operations
Reports To: Director of Operations
Location: Irvine, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
The Manufacturing/Production Engineer supports the development and delivery of space electronics hardware, including Focal Plane Interface Electronics (FPIEs) and Cryocooler Control Electronics (CCEs). This position owns the development and maintenance of Travelers and Buildbooks, supports production and test activities, and ensures compliance with AS9100 processes throughout manufacturing operations. The position provides hands-on support in the laboratory and works closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program Management to improve manufacturing processes and support successful builds of flight hardware.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own and maintain Travelers and Buildbooks for production builds and testing activities.
• Define, update, and optimize build and test procedures as manufacturing processes evolve.
• Enforce AS9100 process requirements during production and ensure compliance with established manufacturing documentation.
• Provide hands-on laboratory support during assembly, integration, and testing operations.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Program Management to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve production efficiency, process consistency, and compliance.
• Interface with Design Engineering to provide feedback related to manufacturability and testability.
• Support the resolution of vendor-related issues that impact production schedules or manufacturing processes.
• Develop scalable manufacturing documentation and compliance processes as the organization grows.
• Develop comprehensive training materials and implement training programs to support manufacturing processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a strong focus on product quality, process compliance, and successful delivery of flight hardware.
• Exercise stop-work authority when non-conformance, process deviations, or other conditions may compromise product quality, safety, or regulatory compliance.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or production engineering within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with PCB assembly, electronics integration, and test environments.
• Experience developing and maintaining production documentation, including Travelers, Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), Buildbooks, and related manufacturing documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive training materials and effectively implement training programs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of manufacturing processes and documentation.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with space electronics or flight hardware programs.
• Familiarity with non-conformance management systems and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and compliance tracking tools.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes in an organization without extensive automation or MES infrastructure.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing processes.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality and manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to identify process deviations and take appropriate action to protect product quality and compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective technical training.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple production activities and priorities.
• Ability to work hands-on in a laboratory and production environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is a 100% on-site position based in Irvine, CA. The position requires regular presence in laboratory and production environments and may require standing, walking, and working around electronics assembly and test equipment. The employee must be able to safely perform the physical requirements associated with supporting manufacturing and laboratory operations.
SECURITY / EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. Person or U.S. Permanent Resident required.
• Iris Technology Corporation does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $110,000 - $160,000 annually
The final offer will be based on the candidate's experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements
BENEFITS
• Flexible education benefits
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 401(k) retirement plan offered after eligibility (see 401(k) Summary Plan Description)
• Paid Time Off (vacation and personal) accrues at the rate of 80 hours per year (3.08 hours per biweekly pay period), with accrual at higher rates according to the length of service matrix (see employee handbook addendum)
• Five (5) sick days per year, prorated by the quarter hired in
• Long Term Disability - paid by employer after eligibility
• Life Insurance - paid by employer after eligibility. Supplemental Life Insurance - offered after eligibility
• Dental care - group plan offered after eligibility
• Vision care - group plan offered after eligibility
• Health care - 80% of the premium HMO plan allowed towards plan of your choosing (after eligibility)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered after eligibility
• Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company performance and the achievement of revenue goals. This bonus reflects our commitment to rewarding team contributions when we meet our business objectives.