Position SummaryWe are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support new product introduction, process development, production readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout our forging and machining operations.
This position plays a critical role in bridging Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Quality to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of aerospace components. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead projects from customer RFQ and product launch through full-rate production, developing manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and improvement initiatives that drive quality, productivity, and on-time delivery.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working both on the production floor and in the engineering office, enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, and thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated aerospace environment.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities - Lead manufacturing projects from concept through production launch, ensuring milestone achievement, schedule adherence, and budget compliance.
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes for aerospace forgings, machining operations, heat treat, and secondary processing.
- Own new product introduction activities including manufacturing planning, tooling requirements, process development, and production readiness.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison between customers, suppliers, engineering, quality, and operations during product development and qualification activities.
- Support quotation and feasibility reviews by evaluating manufacturing methods, cycle times, material utilization, tooling requirements, and production risks.
- Develop manufacturing routers, process flows, work instructions, setup documentation, and production standards.
- Design and implement tooling, fixtures, gages, mylars, and process aids that improve quality, safety, and productivity.
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation using SolidWorks and/or Creo.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, Standard Work, Root Cause Analysis, TPM, and waste reduction methodologies.
- Analyze manufacturing data and KPIs to identify opportunities to reduce scrap, improve throughput, increase capacity, and lower operating costs.
- Support APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP submissions, FAIRs, and other customer qualification requirements.
- Partner with Quality to investigate nonconformances, implement corrective actions, and improve process capability.
- Work closely with Maintenance and Operations to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and support capital improvement projects.
- Participate in production meetings and provide technical leadership for products that are behind schedule or experiencing quality concerns.
- Support safety initiatives by ensuring manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment meet company and regulatory safety requirements.
- Provide technical guidance and training to production personnel regarding manufacturing methods, tooling, and process improvements.
Requirements- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
- 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role.
- Strong blueprint reading skills with advanced understanding of GD&T.
- Experience with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
- Knowledge of machining, tooling, fixturing, and manufacturing process development.
- Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident required due to ITAR regulations.
Preferred- Aerospace manufacturing experience.
- Experience with forged components, precision machining, heat treat, or metal forming operations.
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and AS9100 requirements.
- Experience supporting First Article Inspections (AS9102).
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, or Continuous Improvement experience.
- ERP/MRP system experience.
- CNC machining process knowledge and tooling design experience