Manufacturing Engineer 4 (Tooling Design)

APPLIED COMPOSITES, Inc. • $110K — $130K *
Brea, CA 92821In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • 8-10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, especially in aerospace and advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Proficient in CATIA V5 and SolidWorks with at least 1000 hours of practical experience.
  • Strong understanding of composite materials, prepreg matrix, resin systems, and tooling materials.
  • Experience in leading major manufacturing improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical authority on composite manufacturing processes and tool design.
  • Lead the development and implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies.
  • Establish and implement manufacturing strategies that support growth and new product launches.
  • Provide expert-level guidance on tool design for manufacturability and cost reduction.
  • Develop complex 3D models and engineering drawings for composite applications.

Benefits

  • Gain exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies in a dynamic environment.
  • Opportunity for leadership and mentorship within a skilled engineering team.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and training programs.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives through executive-level presentations and reports.
Full Job Description
Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Sr. ManufacturingEngineer with Tool and Die Design Composite Background, who serves as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert in composite tool design, manufacturing processes, production systems, and new product introduction and design across multiple programs and functional organizations.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the technical authority for composite manufacturing processes matrix, tool and die design, equipment modification, and processing systems.
  • Lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and innovative process solutions.
  • Establish manufacturing strategies and roadmaps that support business growth, operational excellence, and new product launches.
  • Provide expert-level Tool Design guidance for Composite Manufacturability Matrix, Process capability, Cost reduction, Producibility, and Risk mitigation.
  • Develop complex 3D models, engineering drawing for composite layups, nesting, overlay patterns and work from CMM point clouds.
  • Design tooling for Autoclave, oven, compression molding and 5 axis Trim fixtures


Technical Support, Development and Skills Sets:

  • Process understanding of prepreg matrix's, core materials, resin systems, and the thermal expansion properties of tooling materials (invar, carbon fiber, aluminum)
  • CATIA V5, SolidWorks design (minimum 1000 hrs), CAD software a


plus

  • Translate technical drawing/models into functional tooling and interpret multi customer blueprints, specification, GD&T tolerancing and CATIA, CAD and CAM files to accurately create tools, models, dies and 3D print
  • Capable of performing stack up analyses and reverse tool engineering
  • Experience working with CNC machining, "5, 4, 3, Axis equipment", setup and CMM inspection process using CAD-based Verisurf
  • Able to create layup / laser projection files a plus
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for critical manufacturing, process, and quality issues.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action efforts for tooling complex production challenges.
  • Support customer audits, qualification activities, and technical reviews as required.
  • Experience with manufacturing process validation, PFMEA, control plans, and risk assessment methodologies.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


Communication & Collaboration;

  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Develop executive-level presentations, technical reports, and business cases supporting strategic initiatives.
  • Interface with customers, suppliers, and external partners regarding manufacturing tooling, design technologies, 3-D modeling, and statement of work.
  • Create tooling statement of work


Leadership & Mentorship;

  • Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to fellow team members, Technicians, and Operations personnel.
  • Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the development of engineering standards and training programs.
  • Support succession planning and development of engineering talent.
  • Facilitate technical training related to composite manufacturing processes, equipment, and best practices.


Education:

Bachelor's degree, engineering or Equivalent in:

Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.

Experience:

  • Requires 8-10+ years of progressive responsibility, manufacturing engineering within the aerospace industry, defense, composite matrix and advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Proficient with CATIA V5, SolidWorks (minimum 1000 hrs), tool design, modeling, CAD software a plus
  • Experience leading major manufacturing improvement initiatives, new product introductions, design, and cross-functional engineering projects.

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