Manufacturing Engineer

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

To support in delivering these exciting technologies and products, we have developed an agile Manufacturing Team who work across a range of projects to convert our complex designs into reality. We are in need of an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join the team and help develop how we do this, implementing the manufacturing solutions that enable us to achieve our business goals.

What will you do?

• Define, develop and implement the manufacturing processes and tools to ensure that the designs for the sections of the spacecraft you are assigned to can be manufactured and assembled safely, in full compliance with the design requirements at the quoted production rate, cost and timescale.
• Own sections of the design from a manufacturing perspective, becoming a point of contact for the design team and lead manufacturing activities related to the assigned section of the spacecraft.
• Develop assembly and manufacturing documentation for the sections of the spacecraft you are assigned to such as assembly plans, process flow maps, inspection procedures and assembly routers in terms of the content, sequence, methods and timing to enable the best quality build.
• Support the hands on spacecraft build activities including preparation, assembly and inspection of components and assembly
• Assist Space Forge in gaining ISO 9001 certification for production processes.

A typical day

• Work closely with the design teams to support and influence designs through the use of Design For Manufacture (DFM) and Design For Assembly (DFA) activities.
• Utilise CAD / CAM  software to review, critique and approve manufacturing drawings to ensure designs are suitable for manufacturing.
• Apply continuous improvement practises to ensure our processes are always improving.
• Utilise typical machine room equipment such as  both conventional and CNC machines and hand tools to develop manufacturing methods.
• Create technical documentation to aid in the manufacture and assembly of the spacecraft.
• Implement proactive safety measures through the creation of Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments and safe ways of working.
• Attend technical meetings and workshops to help solve manufacturing problems.

Requirements

The Space Forge team is deliberately made from individuals who are adaptable and willing to learn new skills quickly. Therefore we are looking for engineers who are willing and able to adapt to the requirements asked of them whilst maintaining a good level of technical quality. Additionally, as a scale-up, staff are sometimes asked to assist with duties beyond their nominal job description and we are looking for candidates who are happy to step up and try something new when needed.

Essential:

• Experience in working to industry standards for manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with interpreting / creating manufacturing and assembly documentation.
• Competent in the use of hand tools and basic workshop machinery.

Desirable:

• Experience with developing manufacturing, assembly and / or quality control processes.
• Ideally experience in the manufacture of space flight equipment and knowledge of the European Space Standards Coordination (ECSS)
• An understanding of a wide range of manufacturing processes.
• Experience in Lean manufacturing techniques
• Experience working within an ISO 7 or better clean room environment.
• Experience in creating technical drawings to ISO 9001 standards.

Soft skills:

• Able to communicate with teams working both in and out of the office, across various functional areas.
• Able to communicate professionally with suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable to technical and non-technical roadblocks, as many are expected.
• Punctual, good time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage the completion of different projects at one time, prioritising efficiently to work on the correct task at the right time, without compromising on quality.
• Ability to be flexible to support in a fast growth environment

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

Salary range: £33,000 - £42,000  per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs. 

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us. 

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• We’re changing the way humanity builds, we think that’s exciting, and we want you to be excited about it too. That’s why we have an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) so you can own part of our journey
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget  so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

CLOSING DATE: This application will close on 31st July 2024, we will then review applications and shortlist. Please note, you will not have feedback until after the closing date.