Mission
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly organized and technical Operations Specialist – Propulsion Systems to drive the operational execution, logistics, and workflow management for our propulsion hardware. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering, assembly, testing, and mission operations. You will ensure that engine components, thrusters, and propellant management systems move seamlessly through manufacturing, integration, acceptance testing, and delivery without sacrificing quality, safety, or schedule.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Workflow Management
Production & Integration Tracking: Plan, schedule, and track the end-to-end lifecycle of propulsion components, assemblies, and ground support equipment (GSE).
Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the primary operational liaison between Propulsion Design Engineers, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, and Flight/Test Ops.
Process Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in assembly, fluid line integration, or test setup; implement Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies to streamline cycle times.
Hardware & Test Logistics
Supply Chain & Kitting Support: Coordinate with procurement to ensure long-lead propulsion raw materials, valves, pumps, and specialized fasteners are kitted and ready for integration.
Hazardous Materials & Hardware Handling: Oversee logistics for moving high-precision, space-grade, or hazardous hardware (e.g., pressurized vessels, pyrotechnics, energetic materials, hypergolic/cryogenic fluids).
Inventory & Serialized Tracking: Maintain meticulous traceability for serialized propulsion hardware, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and shelf-life-limited items (elastomers, sealants, catalysts).
Execution & Quality Support
Work Orders & Documentation: Maintain, release, and route Work Instructions (WIs), Manufacturing Orders (MOs), and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) through PLM/ERP systems.
Test Site Coordination: Support test campaign readiness, ensuring all physical assets, test bay infrastructure, and safety equipment are staged on time.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure operations strictly adhere to OSHA, DOT, FAA/AST, AS9100, and environmental/cleanroom standards.
Profile
Qualifications & Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 3+ years of technical operations, production control, or manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, automotive powertrain, or high-tech manufacturing.
Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platforms (e.g., SAP, Jira, Windchill, Arena, or Siemens Teamcenter).
Technical Aptitude: Comfort reading engineering drawings, fluid/P&ID schematics, and mechanical assembly specifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on familiarity with rocket engine architecture, electric propulsion, turbomachinery, or pressurized fluid systems.
Experience in AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified environments.
Continuous Improvement or Lean Six Sigma certifications (Green/Black Belt).
Experience with hazardous material handling (HAZMAT, DOT clearance, ESD handling, Cleanroom ISO 7/8 standards).
Soft Skills & Working Conditions
Problem Solver: High adaptability in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where timelines shift rapidly.
Communication: Ability to distill complex technical updates into actionable operational schedules for executive leadership and technicians alike.