Production Engineer

About the Position

Join the Team: Production Engineer

Dragonfly Aerospace (DFA) is looking for a Production Engineer to join our team. The role is based at our Stellenbosch office outside Cape Town.

The Production Engineer at Dragonfly Aerospace plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless development, integration, and verification of imaging systems. The position involves managing requirements for Ground Support Equipment (GSE), including Electrical (EGSE), Mechanical (MGSE), and Optical (OGSE) systems, along with maintaining comprehensive hardware, software, and documentation records.

This role includes establishing detailed Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) plans aligned with project requirements, specialized facilities, and testing protocols. Key responsibilities include overseeing cleanroom operations, applying metrology and electrostatic protection principles, conducting environmental testing, and supporting assembly, integration, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Requirements management and creation for:
  • EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment)
  • MGSE (Mechanical Ground Support Equipment)
  • OGSE (Optical Ground Support Equipment)
• GSE hardware and software management
• Establish and maintain GSE documentation / end-item data packs (EIDPs)
• Assist in monitoring test equipment calibration
• Requirement and Performance Specification Management
• Support GSE PBS (product breakdown structure) to projects
• Support GSE WBS (work breakdown structure) to projects
• Participate in product lifecycle stages providing input for a suitable AIT/GSE outcome/products/systems
• Development of a detailed AIV plan
• Analysis of project requirements
• Requirements for AIV facilities (Plan/identify specialized facility needs)
• Knowledge of transportation, assembly, and handling equipment
• Specifications for unit software acceptance testing
• Testing philosophy and execution planning
• Establish and maintain AIV documentation / end-item data packs (EIDPs)
• Preparation and support of AIV reviews
• Execute and support clean room principles and operations
• Application and use of measurement equipment and metrology methods
• Management and application of electrostatic protection principles
• Environmental testing and calibration
• Space and Ground Segments assembly and integration
• Space and Ground Segment verification based on customer requirements
• Software installation and configuration
• Test procedure definition and execution
• Software anomalies analysis and troubleshooting
• Attendance at coordination and planning meetings
• Attendance at Anomalies Review Boards
• To support on-site coordination to identify and mitigate current issues
• Work as a key member of the Project team with the Project Manager and (lead) System Engineer to deliver fully tested and compliant spacecraft (payload)
• Manage test operators and responsible engineers of the AIV project team as required to meet schedules and technical requirements
• Define and supply AIV harness and ground test cables/harnesses
• Facilitate and schedule all AIV and Environmental Verification Test (EVT) phase activities
• Conduct and coordinate AIV unit/system integration and testing
• Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIV clean room
• Liaise with the mission team and external customers
• Lead ground segment as well as Launch and Early Operations (LEOP) and commissioning activities
• Support of training programs for both internal and customer engineers

CoE Responsibilities

Innovation and Best Practices

• Develop and promote industry-leading practices for AIV and GSE processes.
• Lead initiatives to standardize workflows and methodologies for system integration and testing.

Technical Expertise and Training

• Provide specialized training programs for internal teams and customer engineers.
• Act as a subject matter expert on GSE and AIV principles, offering support and guidance across projects.

Process Improvement and Knowledge Sharing

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality in cleanroom operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to share insights and improve test protocols.

Strategic Collaboration

• Work with project managers, lead system engineers, and mission teams to align COE strategies with project goals.
• Partner with external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of compliant spacecraft systems.

Resource Optimisation

• Oversee resource allocation for AIV and GSE activities to maintain cost-effectiveness and timeline adherence.
• Manage the COE’s tools, test facilities, and measurement equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Requirements

Education/ Qualification Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a BEng, BSc, or BTech in Mechatronics, Electronics, or a similar degree.

Minimum Requirements

• No previous job experience is required.

Advantageous

• Proven experience in Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) processes, including hands-on work in cleanroom environments.
• Demonstrated ability to program (Python, MicroPython, C/C++) and Automate
• Expertise in environmental testing, calibration, and use of advanced measurement tools and metrology methods.
• Experience managing product lifecycle stages, from requirement analysis to final system delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of cross-functional teams and manage project schedules and resources.
• Proven ability to liaise with customers, address technical anomalies, and troubleshoot complex system issues.

Competencies and Skills

Competencies

• Technical Proficiency
• Analytical Thinking
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Project Management
• Customer Orientation
• Continuous Improvement

Skills

• Technical Skills
• Software Skills
• Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility and Adaptability

Location

The Production Engineer will be based at our Stellenbosch office outside Cape Town. This is a one-year fixed-term contract to be extended.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture

Interested?

If you think you’ve got what it takes to join our dynamic team, please email us at [email protected] with your CV. We look forward to welcoming you to the Dragonfly family.

About the Company

Dragonfly Aerospace is at the forefront of satellite technology and space innovation. Our mission is to provide cutting-edge solutions for Earth observation and space situational awareness, driving advancements in satellite design and technology.