Subject Matter Expert

Serve as the technical authority within Operations for the Commercial Space product line by defining what "right" looks like and ensuring engineering intent is translated into repeatable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing execution.

This position functions as a key cross-functional resource embedded within production to bridge Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering. The SME provides technical leadership for issue resolution, process improvement, production readiness, and implementation of robust corrective actions that improve quality, efficiency, and margin.

In addition, this role supports continuity of critical Cleanroom knowledge by learning key legacy processes, defining technical contamination-control standards, and assisting in transition of day-to-day ownership to designated Operations personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define technical standards, acceptance criteria, and "what right looks like" for production activities.
• Lead or validate technical investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action direction.
• Provide technical guidance for manufacturing methods, routers, tooling, and work instructions.
• Provide technical support in validating the effectiveness of corrective actions and process changes.
• Act as primary liaison across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering for technical production matters.
• Support production readiness for new and heritage products to ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and compliance.
• Identify recurring failure modes, process gaps, and opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and margin.
• Learn critical Cleanroom processes, controls, and legacy knowledge required for business continuity.
• Define technical Cleanroom standards and critical contamination-control requirements.
• Support development of training content and qualification criteria for personnel responsible for Cleanroom execution.
• Assist in transition of day-to-day Cleanroom ownership to designated Operations personnel.
• Convene or participate in cross-functional technical reviews for recurring issues, significant production risks, or major implementation decisions.

AUTHORITY WITHIN ROLE

• Authority to establish and communicate technical production standards within assigned scope.
• Authority to require review of corrective actions or process changes that may impact product integrity, repeatability, or compliance.
• Authority to escalate unresolved technical risks to functional leadership.
• Authority to recommend hold, rework, or additional evaluation when technical risk is not adequately addressed.
• Authority to convene cross-functional technical reviews when recurring issues or significant production risks arise.

RESPONSIBILITIES EXCLUDED FROM THIS ROLE

• Direct ownership of daily production execution, scheduling, or output attainment.
• Direct supervision of technicians or operations personnel.
• Primary ownership of routine training administration, attendance tracking, or certification records.
• Primary ownership of routine router/document maintenance.
• Sole ownership of CAR/NCR administrative closure activities.
• Responsibility for staffing levels, labor planning, or personnel performance management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong engineering background with demonstrated ability to apply design principles within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively across Engineering and Operations, influencing cross-functional teams and driving alignment.
• Experience with technical investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Understanding of aerospace or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Strong communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Practical judgment with ability to balance technical rigor, manufacturability, schedule, and cost.
• Self-directed with ability to prioritize and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with MS Office and familiar with engineering/design tools (e.g., Autodesk Inventor or similar).

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. Advanced degree desirable. Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support critical business needs.
• Work requires general physical mobility and ability to access production areas.
• Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or test facilities may be required.
• Must be able to verify U.S. Citizenship status due to applicable contract requirements.