Job SummaryThe Manufacturing Engineer - NPI, Electronic Systems is responsible for transitioning new airborne electronic products from design into stable, compliant, and cost-effective production. This role focuses on high-mix, low-volume avionics, flight control electronics, payload interfaces, power distribution, and associated electronic modules used on unmanned aircraft and ground control systems.
You will partner closely with Design Engineering (Electrical and Mechanical), Program Management, Quality, Production Control and Manufacturing operations to define manufacturing processes, qualify production lines, and support production ramp-up in an AS9100-regulated environment.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: - Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities from concept through production release for new electronic assemblies (PWAs, LRUs, avionics modules, power systems, sensor/payload interface boards, communication modules, etc.).
- Develop NPI plans, manufacturing readiness criteria, and build milestones aligned with program gates and customer requirements.
- Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) analysis and coordinate reviews with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
- Define, develop, and document manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade electronic assemblies, including SMT, through-hole, conformal coating, and LRU integration.
- Develop line layouts, capacity models, and takt time analyses to support low- to medium-rate production of electronics with surge capability for program demands.
- Manage process validation activities for new processes and equipment in accordance with AS9100 and internal procedures.
- Analyze yield, scrap, and rework data from engineering, qualification, and production builds; drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (RCCA).
- Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement tools (5-Why, fishbone, FMEA, Lean, Six Sigma) to improve process capability, reliability, and cost.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, IPC, ESD, and applicable customer and military standards for electronic hardware.
- Ensure test coverage supports airworthiness, reliability, and customer requirements.
- Incorporate lessons learned into design, test, and process improvements.
- Work closely with design engineering to influence product architecture for manufacturability, testability, reliability, and maintainability in a UAV operational environment.
- Collaborate with supply chain and key suppliers/contract manufacturers on manufacturability, process capability, and readiness of PWAs and electronic LRUs.
- Provide training and technical support to production operators and technicians during engineering pilots, LRIP (low-rate initial production), and full-rate production.
- Support configuration management and change control for manufacturing processes and documentation across multiple UAV platforms and variants.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications- Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Hands-on experience with electrical design and/or SMT assembly, electronic assembly methods, and related manufacturing equipment.
- Experience generating process documentation (work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans) and supporting configuration control.
- Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and corrective action in a regulated environment.
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and aerospace documentation practices.
- Proficiency with standard engineering tools (CAD viewers, PLM/ERP, and basic data analysis tools such as Excel).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional, program-driven teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security clearance is required.
