Manager, Avionics Manufacturing Engineering

Vast is looking for a Manager, Avionics Manufacturing Engineering, reporting to the Senior Manager, Avionics Manufacturing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage the avionics electro-mechanical and PCBA manufacturing engineering function, providing both technical and people leadership to support the design, build, integration, and test of human-rated avionics systems and hardware.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering teams to provide early and continuous input on manufacturability, assembly, and testability (DFM/DFA/DFT), ensuring PCBAs and electro-mechanical designs are optimized for quality, reliability, schedule, and scalability.
• Own the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, tooling, factory equipment, and build strategies for avionics electronics and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Establish, maintain, and approve manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure consistent, compliant, and repeatable production of PCBAs and integrated avionics hardware.
• Build, mentor, and manage a team of avionics manufacturing engineers, setting clear priorities, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and supporting career development.
• Drive robust electronics manufacturing practices including:
• Identify, assess, and resolve manufacturing risks and issues through structured root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and cross-functional problem solving.
• Serve as the manufacturing engineering representative in design reviews, production readiness reviews, and test readiness reviews, advocating for manufacturing requirements, constraints, and readiness.
• Partner with supply chain and suppliers to review and approve supplier manufacturing processes for PCB fabrication, PCBA assembly, and electro-mechanical hardware, ensuring quality standards are met and delivery schedules are achieved.
• Work closely with Quality, Production, Test, and Program teams to define quality controls, inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and escalation paths for electronics and electro-mechanical builds.
• Provide hands-on technical support as needed during assembly, integration, test, and troubleshooting activities on the production floor and in test labs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction techniques, and process maturity improvements across electronics and electro-mechanical production.
• Track, communicate, and report manufacturing engineering performance metrics related to quality, schedule, cost, and execution risk.
• Stay current with industry standards, emerging technologies, and best practices in aerospace electronics manufacturing, incorporating lessons learned into company processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with experience in aerospace, avionics, or other highly regulated industries.
• 2+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers, project teams, or technical functions.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.
• Specific certifications, as appropriate.