Manufacturing Engineer
Overview Energy
Ashburn, VA, USA
Location
Ashburn HQ
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Space Systems
Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing baseload power across entire continents 24/7, without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.
The Role
This role owns the mechanical assembly processes that turn Overview Energy’s satellite designs into flight‑ready hardware. You will define how structural panels, mechanisms, radiators, and major assemblies are built, design the tooling to do it safely and repeatably, and support technicians on the floor to keep builds on schedule and to spec. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience assembling spacecraft or similarly complex mechanical systems and enjoys closing the loop between drawings, fixtures, and real hardware.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and maintain mechanical assembly process flows and work instructions for satellite structures, mechanisms, and major subassemblies.
Design and specify jigs, fixtures, lifting devices, and alignment tools to improve safety, repeatability, and build efficiency.
Perform DFM/DFA reviews with design engineering, feeding shop‑floor lessons learned back into mechanical designs and fastener/stack‑up choices.
Support technicians on the line, resolving fit‑up, tolerance, and interference issues in real time and updating documentation as needed.
Define in‑process inspections and torque/adhesive/bonding steps; coordinate with quality to ensure workmanship and documentation meet space‑flight standards.
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Track non‑conformances related to mechanical assembly and lead root cause/corrective actions to improve yield and reduce rework.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in mechanical assembly of spacecraft or complex aerospace hardware.
4+ years of experience with mechanical assembly for satellites, spacecraft structures, or high‑reliability aerospace systems.
Strong proficiency reading mechanical drawings and GD&T, and working with 3D CAD to extract assembly details.
Demonstrated experience with fasteners, torqueing, bonding, shimming, stack‑ups, and alignment of precision mechanical assemblies.
Experience creating and maintaining mechanical assembly work instructions and build documentation.
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Comfortable working directly with technicians on the shop floor to troubleshoot build issues.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience with composite and metallic space structures, deployable mechanisms, and precision alignment.
Familiarity with crane/rigging and MGSE related to mechanical assembly and handling of large space hardware.
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Experience applying lean manufacturing principles (standard work, 5S, waste reduction) in low‑rate, high‑reliability production.
Benefits
The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks of paid time off, paid sick leave, parental leave, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits at any time.
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Overview Energy is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Talent Team at talent@overviewenergy.com. Studies show that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply for jobs only if they meet all listed qualifications. We encourage anyone who believes they can succeed in this role to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.