Manufacturing Engineer

This job is posted on behalf of Butler Recruitment Group by Top Echelon.

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Herndon, VA

Salary Range: $90,000 - $135,000 annually

About the Role We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with experience in prototype and low-volume manufacturing of complex space systems. You will play a crucial role in assembly, integration, and test (AIT), working closely with IPT leads and Program Managers to define process flows, author work instructions, and develop tooling and support equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  
• Create end-to-end process flows for prototype and low-volume manufacturing.
• 
  
• Develop clear work instructions including tooling, inspection points, and safety notes.
• 
  
• Design or specify tooling, fixtures, and support equipment.
• 
  
• Support AIT sequences and opto-mechanical/electronics subsystem testing.
• 
  
• Collaborate with R&D engineering, quality, test, and supply chain teams.
• 
  
• Provide hands-on support for first article builds and troubleshooting.
• 
  
• Contribute to test setups, ground support equipment definition, and non-conformance processing/RCCA outcomes.
• 
  

Required Qualifications

• 
  
• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 
  
• 5 to 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 
  
• Experience in space hardware or high-reliability manufacturing (aerospace/defense or medical).
• 
  
• Strong understanding of first article and low-volume production.
• 
  
• Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, and test (AIT).
• 
  
• Ability to author high-quality work instructions.
• 
  
• Familiarity with CAD (Creo preferred) and ERP (Costpoint preferred).
• 
  
• Experience with non-conformance processing and RCCA.
• 
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  
• Precision assembly experience (opto-mechanical, electro-optical systems).
• 
  
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, and configuration management.
• 
  
• Familiarity with environmental testing, PLM systems, and digital thread workflows.
• 
  
• Basic GD&T and tolerance analysis skills.
• 
  

Core Competencies

• 
  
• Hands-on execution on the production floor.
• 
  
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• 
  
• Systems Engineering mindset balancing cost, quality, and schedule.
• 
  
• Ownership, urgency, and disciplined follow-through.
• 
  

Benefits Offered We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being:

• 
  
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 
  
• Disability, life insurance, and AD&D
• 
  
• 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting
• 
  
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 
  
• Employee Assistance Program and education assistance
• 
  
• Paid time off and holidays
• 
  
• Flexible work schedules (including a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option)
• 
  

About Us We are a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars, and laser communication systems, providing DoD, NASA, and aerospace customers with discriminating capabilities. We offer a creative, relaxed work environment focused on innovation, customer success, and professional growth.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience without discrimination.