Senior Production Engineer

About Dawn Aerospace and the Role

Dawn Aerospace is pioneering a reusable rocket-powered spaceplane, called Aurora, aiming to revolutionize space access by making it as routine as air travel. After successfully developing and demonstrating the technology through rigorous research and development, the company is entering a scale-up phase focused on transforming aircraft production from prototypes to regular manufacturing of multiple spaceplanes annually. To facilitate this transition, they seek a Senior Production Engineer to lead the establishment of manufacturing vision, production systems, and operational processes.

Role Summary

This senior foundational role is crucial for evolving Dawn Aerospace's spaceplane program from an engineering-led research organization to a streamlined, efficient, and scalable production enterprise. The incumbent will collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure smooth transition of products from design to production, maintaining manufacturability, quality, and delivery excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate long-term production strategies to enable manufacture of multiple reusable spaceplanes annually.
• Develop an operating model supporting the shift from R&D-centric to production-centric workflows.
• Design scalable manufacturing processes tailored for high efficiency and repeatability.
• Work collaboratively with design engineers to enhance manufacturability and production throughput.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and production constraints in manufacturing.
• Improve production data collection systems to promote data-driven decision making.
• Establish production planning and scheduling methodologies.
• Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure readiness and supplier capability.
• Align the organization culturally and operationally from prototype mentality to production mindset.
• Foster a culture of standardization, repeatability, and operational excellence.
• Define standards for manufacturing documentation, including production travellers, work instructions, and visual management systems.
• Guide engineering teams on Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent field.
• At least five years of experience in transitioning complex engineering organizations or products from R&D phases to serial production.
• Proven track record scaling manufacturing operations from prototypes to reliable repeatable production.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace or other heavily regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience developing production systems, manufacturing strategies, and industrialization roadmaps.
• Advanced understanding of Lean Manufacturing, DFMA, Value Stream Mapping, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across engineering, manufacturing, and executive stakeholders.
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments where many systems are evolving.
• Systems thinker with ability to simplify and solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Execution-oriented Practical approach.
• Background in aerospace, aviation, automotive, defense, or other advanced manufacturing sectors is highly valued.

Diversity and Inclusion

Dawn Aerospace is committed to building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are supported to excel.

About the Company

Dawn Aerospace specializes in space transportation with a mission to empower the next generation of space users via sustainable and scalable access and mobility solutions. Their technological focus encompasses in-space propulsion, servicing, and the development of a rocket-powered spaceplane. The company operates globally with teams located in the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.

Additional Information

Dawn Aerospace encourages qualified candidates to apply even if they do not meet all listed criteria precisely. Note that the company does not accept resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be liable for related fees from unsolicited submissions.