Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace & Precision MachiningIndustry: Aerospace, Precision Machining & Advanced Manufacturing
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship Required
Sponsorship: Not Available
Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to develop, optimize, and improve manufacturing processes supporting the production of
aerospace-grade components and precision-machined products.
This position will be responsible for manufacturing process development, CNC machining support, fixture and tooling design, production troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer will independently manage projects from initial problem identification through engineering development, implementation, validation, and production launch.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, strong knowledge of
GD&T, CAD, CNC machining, tooling design, and statistical process analysis, and demonstrated success improving manufacturing quality, efficiency, and productivity.
Candidates with backgrounds in
small to midsize aerospace, automotive, or precision machining organizations are especially relevant.
Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Process Engineering & Optimization
- Develop, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade and precision-machined components
- Evaluate existing manufacturing operations to identify opportunities for improved quality, efficiency, and productivity
- Develop and implement process improvements to reduce manufacturing defects, scrap, and production costs
- Analyze manufacturing performance and recommend process modifications
- Establish repeatable manufacturing processes that support production requirements
- Support process development from initial concept through implementation and production launch
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing challenges
- Apply engineering principles and structured problem-solving methodologies to improve manufacturing performance
CNC Machining & Production Support
- Provide hands-on engineering support for CNC machining operations
- Assist with CNC setup, manufacturing process development, and production troubleshooting
- Evaluate machining processes and identify opportunities to improve production efficiency
- Support prototype manufacturing, process validation, and production readiness
- Collaborate with machinists and production personnel to resolve manufacturing issues
- Review machining requirements, tooling capabilities, and production specifications
- Support implementation of new machining processes and equipment improvements
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet established quality and production requirements
Fixture, Tooling & Equipment Design
- Design and improve manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and machine-related components
- Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing fixtures, and engineering modifications
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to manufacturing and tooling requirements
- Evaluate existing fixtures and tooling to identify opportunities for improved accuracy and efficiency
- Collaborate with manufacturing personnel to develop practical tooling solutions
- Support equipment modifications and automation improvements
- Review engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications to ensure tooling compatibility
- Assist with equipment selection, installation, and process improvements
Statistical Process Control & Manufacturing Quality
- Analyze production data, manufacturing trends, and statistical performance metrics
- Conduct process capability studies, including Cpk analysis
- Evaluate manufacturing variability and identify opportunities to improve process consistency
- Support process validation and manufacturing quality improvement initiatives
- Utilize structured problem-solving techniques to investigate manufacturing defects
- Collaborate with Quality teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
- Develop data-driven recommendations to improve manufacturing performance
- Support initiatives focused on reducing defects and improving process capability
Capital Projects & Manufacturing Improvements
- Lead and support Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) projects involving manufacturing equipment and process improvements
- Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades, automation, and manufacturing efficiency improvements
- Develop engineering solutions to improve production capacity, reliability, and performance
- Coordinate project activities from concept development through implementation
- Evaluate project requirements, technical feasibility, and manufacturing benefits
- Collaborate with vendors, equipment suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams
- Support equipment commissioning, process validation, and production launch activities
- Manage project priorities and deliverables independently
Manufacturing Documentation & New Product Introduction
- Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing routers, work instructions, and process documentation
- Support prototype development and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities
- Translate engineering requirements into practical manufacturing processes
- Review and update manufacturing documentation following process or equipment changes
- Support production readiness and manufacturing process validation
- Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to ensure accurate manufacturing specifications
- Maintain technical documentation supporting manufacturing quality and operational consistency
- Ensure engineering changes are effectively implemented within production operations
Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and productivity
- Identify manufacturing inefficiencies and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Support Lean manufacturing and structured improvement methodologies
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams
- Analyze manufacturing performance to identify recurring operational challenges
- Recommend process, tooling, and equipment improvements
- Promote manufacturing best practices and operational excellence
- Independently manage multiple engineering projects and improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience
- Experience with CNC machining processes and manufacturing operations
- Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience with CAD software and manufacturing fixture or tooling design
- Knowledge of manufacturing process development, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Experience with process capability analysis, including Cpk studies
- Strong understanding of manufacturing quality and continuous improvement principles
- Ability to analyze production data and identify opportunities for process improvement
- Experience supporting prototypes, process validation, or production launches
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications
- Strong technical problem-solving and analytical capabilities
- Ability to independently manage engineering projects from concept through implementation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams
- U.S. citizenship required
- No employment sponsorship available
Preferred Qualifications- Direct experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision machining
- Experience within small to midsize aerospace, automotive, or machining companies
- Experience manufacturing aerospace-grade or high-precision components
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality management standards
- Experience with composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Experience utilizing Minitab for statistical process analysis
- Experience implementing Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
- Familiarity with Kaizen, Kanban, and 5S
- Experience designing and implementing manufacturing fixtures and tooling
- Experience leading CAPEX projects and manufacturing equipment improvements
- Experience supporting manufacturing automation initiatives
- Demonstrated success improving manufacturing quality, productivity, and process capability
- Experience managing engineering projects independently in a hands-on manufacturing environment
Candidate Must-Haves- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience
- U.S. citizenship
- CNC machining exposure
- Working knowledge of GD&T
- CAD experience
- Fixture and tooling design experience
- Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes
- Experience with Cpk studies and process capability analysis
- Strong manufacturing troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications
- Experience supporting manufacturing projects from concept through implementation
- Ability to work independently in a hands-on production environment
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
