Manufacturing Engineer - Additive Manufacturing

Overview

A16Z Games, in collaboration with Astranis, is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in additive manufacturing to join their team in San Francisco, CA. Astranis is a growing satellite company dedicated to building sophisticated satellites and expanding humanity's presence in space. The company serves a highly demanding clientele including enterprises, governments, and the US military, with substantial commitments exceeding $1 billion. Astranis boasts a 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California and employs 450 engineers and entrepreneurs.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Laser Bed Powder Fusion process for metal additive manufacturing from inception.
• Manage 3D printing processes involving engineered thermoplastics such as PEEK and ULTEM.
• Collaborate with design engineers to promote Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) by participating in design reviews and performing tolerance stack-up analyses.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures for 3D printer calibration and upkeep.
• Implement process monitoring and establish print quality criteria to optimize yield and ensure product excellence.
• Design and perform qualification tests and produce standard coupons to assess printed part quality and material attributes.
• Develop documentation including work instructions, work order templates, and process specifications.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing non-conformances on the production floor to determine root causes and oversee corrective actions.
• Support machining and programming for research, development, and production needs.
• Design and produce custom fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Engage with suppliers and contract manufacturers to refine their production and quality protocols and address inquiries.
• Implement lean manufacturing practices to drive continuous improvements.
• Coordinate 5S organization activities within the additive manufacturing area.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in metal additive manufacturing, particularly Laser Bed Powder Fusion techniques.
• Knowledge and practical experience with safe handling and storage of explosive or combustible powders.
• Proficiency with additive manufacturing software platforms such as nTop, 3DXpert, Materialise Magics, Netfabb, Ansys Additive, or Altair Inspire Print 3D.
• At least 1 year experience operating 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
• Strong skills in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawing review.
• Experience in drafting technical documentation and specifications.
• Understanding of various manufacturing processes and associated quality standards.
• Mechanical design capabilities including solid modeling and print documentation.
• Ability and willingness to work onsite full-time, 5 days per week at San Francisco headquarters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a STEM field, with focus on additive manufacturing applications.
• Experience with advanced post-processing methods such as annealing and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP).
• Familiarity with CAM software like Fusion 360, Mastercam, or Siemens NX.
• Hands-on background as a machinist programming and running complex 5-axis parts.
• Experience with multi-axis machining centers and automation.
• History of working with contract manufacturers to establish and validate manufacturing processes.
• Competence in interpreting first article inspection reports, using precision measuring tools, and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Exposure to manufacturing execution systems (MES) or material resource planning (MRP) platforms in production environments.

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a competitive base salary ranging from $95,000 to $165,000 per year, along with a comprehensive compensation package. Benefits include a significant equity component via incentive stock options, company-supported healthcare plans, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, flexible paid time off, and complimentary catered meals at the workplace.

Additional Information

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise protected individuals according to U.S. Government space technology export regulations to comply with legal requirements.

A16Z Games and Astranis embrace diversity and inclusion, encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply and contribute their unique perspectives to the team.