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Loft Orbital (operating as Orbitworks) is building the first commercial satellite manufacturing operation in the UAE, targeting tens of satellites annually from a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.
You will lead supplier development for flight hardware manufacturing, focusing on machined components, wire harness assemblies, and structural honeycomb panel rework. This role combines manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, and hands-on process development.
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct on-site supplier process audits, capability reviews and risk assessments to evaluate manufacturing readiness
- Work directly with suppliers to improve travelers, work instructions, inspection plans and process controls (torque, crimp validation, bonding)
- Validate machining capability including CNC programming, tooling, GD&T interpretation, surface finish, material traceability and first article inspection
- Strengthen wire harness production through crimp/pull-test validation, routing, shielding controls and workmanship standards
- Oversee honeycomb panel rework and modifications with bonding validation, environmental controls and nondestructive inspection alignment
- Implement AS9100-aligned practices, AS9102 first article inspection, APQP and PPAP
- Lead containment, root cause analysis and corrective action for supplier quality escapes
- Develop supplier development roadmaps, qualification criteria and performance dashboards (quality, delivery, FAI results, escapes, process capability)
- Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain to resolve technical issues and align supplier readiness with flight requirements
The role starts as an individual contributor with potential to build a broader supplier development function over time. You will work closely with internal teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Contracts and Design-to-Manufacturing.
REQUIREMENTS (Must Have):
- Flight-hardware manufacturing experience with clear understanding of aerospace process control, documentation and traceability requirements
- Deep machining knowledge covering CNC processes, GD&T, materials, tooling, surface finish and inspection
- Wire harness manufacturing expertise including crimp validation, pull testing, routing, shielding and workmanship controls
- Proven supplier development experience with measurable improvements in capability, quality or manufacturing readiness
- Working knowledge of AS9100-based quality systems, AS9102 first article inspection and manufacturing process validation
- Experience leading root cause analysis, containment and corrective action using methods such as 8D or RCCA
- Hands-on shop-floor expertise, ability to work independently and strong communication skills to align suppliers with internal technical stakeholders
NICE TO HAVE:
- Honeycomb or composite structures, bonding, nondestructive inspection and controlled structural rework experience
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or knowledge of certification requirements; NADCAP special process exposure
- Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Lean or Six Sigma Black Belt experience
- Experience building a supplier development function, integrating ERP/MRP systems or working with international suppliers
