Production Engineer

Production Engineer

Valkyrie Enterprises has need for a Production Engineer in Huntsville, AL to support the Targets and Countermeasures team of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

In this role, you will be directly responsible for verifying that critical missile flight hardware and propulsion systems are designed, fabricated, integrated, and tested strictly in accordance with baseline standards. You will evaluate prime contractor design and manufacturing processes, conduct technical reviews, and enforce compliance with industry mission assurance frameworks—specifically AIAA S-113 (Criteria for Explosive Systems and Devices on Space and Launch Vehicles) and related aerospace standards (such as AIAA S-114, AIAA S-080/081, SMC-S-016, or AFSPCMAN 91-710).

Job Description:

• Design & Build Verification: Audit prime contractor engineering designs, drawing packages, manufacturing processes, and assembly records to ensure end items are built strictly to approved baseline specifications and flight-worthiness requirements
• AIAA S-113 & Standards Compliance: Apply AIAA S-113 (and related space/launch vehicle standards) to assess ordnance, explosive devices, pyrotechnic separation mechanisms, pressure vessels, and mechanical/propulsion subsystems across all design and production phases
• Peer Reviews & Milestone Gates: Participate in technical baseline reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR), ensuring objective evidence supports mission assurance criteria before moving to integration and flight test
• Nonconformance & Root Cause Analysis: Evaluate Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions, deviations, and waivers. Oversee Failure Review Boards (FRBs) to determine root cause and ensure proper corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) are implemented
• Hardware Acceptance & Verification: Review and approve Qualification and Acceptance Test Procedures (QTPs/ATPs) and corresponding test results. Serve as the on-site engineering witness during critical testing events as required
• Supplier Integration & Oversight: Lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings with supplier partners to maintain rigorous schedule alignment, track deliverables, and drive rapid technical problem resolution

Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor of Science in STEM Field with at least 7+ years supporting missile defense or large-scale, complex DoD programs. Strong preference for Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering.
• Must have demonstrated working knowledge and practical application of AIAA S-113 (or closely related launch/flight vehicle criteria such as AIAA S-114, SMC-S-016, TOR standards, or NASA-STD-8739/AFSPCMAN equivalents).
• Must have proven ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, engineering change orders (ECOs/ECPs), and manufacturing work instructions to verify build integrity.
• Must have strong technical writing and presentation skills, capable of defending engineering assessments to government program leadership and contractor teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting MDA programs (e.g., Targets and Countermeasures, GMD, THAAD, Aegis BMD), preferred.
• Hands-on experience evaluating pyrotechnic devices, initiation systems, electro-explosive devices (EEDs), solid rocket motors, or high-reliability electro-mechanical assemblies, preferred.

Security Requirements:

• Must have an Active Secret clearance and the ability to maintain it.

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal Travel; 10% or less
• If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID.

Physical Requirements:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment. Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity.