Final Frontier Manufacturing is a precision-machining startup for space — rockets and satellites — building the factory that builds the parts. Founded in 2023, we've shipped $15M+ of product in three years, and growth is accelerating. You'll join a small team with high talent density as our 5th full-time Manufacturing Engineer, with real impact every day.
If you're coming from a larger company and want to move faster, own outcomes end-to-end, and ship real hardware, this is that opportunity. You'll work across multiple top-tier (confidential) space programs — diverse materials, geometries, and processes — while helping drive the reindustrialization of U.S. manufacturing.
At Final Frontier, manufacturing engineering isn't a support function — it's the engine. You'll architect the processes, automation, and digital systems that define how modern space hardware is made.
What you'll do
- Lead process design for complex, high-value components and assemblies — turning challenging geometry and tight tolerances into stable, repeatable manufacturing strategies.
- Develop process flows, risk-based plans, tooling concepts, and documentation that help the floor move faster.
- Work with the toolroom to design fixtures that minimize setup and maximize repeatability.
- Partner with Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Operations to translate engineering intent into scalable workflows.
- Integrate automation and data: push toward lights-out machining, optimize cycle time and tool life, and close the loop with analytics.
- Program and refine CAM (Mastercam or equivalent) for 3- to 5-axis and mill/turn parts — balancing precision, efficiency, and consistency.
- Launch and iterate: prove-outs, setup sheets, and continuous improvement alongside machinists, QA, and the toolroom.
Beyond parts — shape the next phase
Manufacturing here extends well beyond part production. You'll help design the systems, tools, and infrastructure that define our next chapter:
- Expand cobot machine tending on our existing automation (UR / FANUC CRX): gripper and tooling selection, cell layout, changeover, and safety.
- Pilot AI in CAM and process planning: AI-assisted toolpath strategy, template generation, and verification workflows.
- Support our CMMC cybersecurity audit: practical digital traveler, access control, and traceability systems.
- Contribute to a new, larger facility: floor layout, material flow, utilities, metrology labs, tool crib, and automation-cell design — engineered for high-mix throughput.
You'll keep a hand in production launches while leading these platform-level projects — high leverage, high learning, high impact.
What we're looking for
You think in systems, not tasks. You see a design and immediately picture the fixture, the setup, the toolpath, and the inspection plan. You care about rigor but hate bureaucracy, and you'd rather make things happen than wait for decisions.
Proficiency in:
- GD&T and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- CNC programming and CAM (Mastercam)
- Mechanical design and engineering
- Industrial robot programming
- AS9100
You'll run Mastercam, 5+-axis CNC mills (VMC), and 5+-axis CNC lathes.
What you get
- Top-25% compensation and benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision; 401(k); PTO and paid holidays.
- Free hot breakfast and lunch provided daily.
- Modern tools, a collaborative culture, and meaningful impact on hardware that flies.
Top-tier customers are confidential; details shared during the process.
