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Castelion · 2 weeks ago

Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Motors

Torrance, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

7+ years exp

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production, focusing on short design cycles and modern manufacturing strategies. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer will oversee solid rocket motor production, ensuring safety and efficiency while leading a cross-functional team to meet production targets.

AerospaceGovernmentManufacturingMilitaryNational Security

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Hiring Manager

Andy R.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of manufacturing engineers in the daily execution of solid rocket motor production, including propellant mixing, casting, case bonding, and proof/acceptance testing

Ensure on-time delivery of flight hardware while maintaining zero safety incidents and full compliance with DoD regulations

Own the entire solid motor manufacturing value stream

Develop, qualify, and continuously improve processes, tooling, and facilities to increase throughput, reduce labor hours, and achieve first-pass yield targets

Implement automation, digital thread/MES, and advanced inspection techniques to support rapid production scaling

Serve as the primary technical interface to Design Engineering, Program Management, Quality, EHS, and the customer on producibility, non-conformances, and anomaly resolution

Lead root-cause and drive robust corrective actions for defects or process escapes

Lead manufacturing readiness for new solid motor designs, including process development, PFMEA, control plans, and qualification builds

Plan and execute capital projects for the installation of mixers, casting facilities, and automated insulation/liner application

Enforce strict adherence to energetic materials safety standards (NFPA 495, DOD 4145.26M)

Author and maintain explosive safety submissions, hazard analyses, and operating procedures

Champion a strong safety culture across the team

Mentor junior engineers and technicians, conduct performance reviews, and build succession plans

Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and technical excellence

Qualification

Solid rocket motor productionPropellant formulationManufacturing leadershipProcess developmentSafety complianceTeam mentoringCreative problem solvingClear communication

Required

Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment or equivalent

At least 3 years in formal leadership

Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving

High Commitment, High Initiative

Clear Communicator

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Preferred

Proven track record leading production of solid rock motors from development through sustained rate production

Deep expertise in propellant formulation, vacuum casting, case-bonded grain design, liner/insulator systems, and non-destructive evaluation of energetic articles

Demonstrated success scaling hazardous processes while reducing cost per pound and labor hours per motor

Prior work on orbital launch vehicles, strategic systems, missile defense, or hypersonic programs

Aptitude for mentoring teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment