Manufacturing Engineering Manager Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing We're seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Manager to lead and energize our manufacturing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong technical contributor ready to step into their first leadership role. You'll bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvement to the floor every day.
Location: Tempe
Full time, on-site position
REQUIRED: Due to the nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15.
Job SummaryThe Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the manufacturing engineering function in a high-precision, build-to-print aerospace machine shop. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining robust manufacturing processes that consistently meet stringent aerospace quality, delivery, and cost requirements. The manager drives continuous improvement, supports production of complex precision-machined components and ensures compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, and industry standards. Success requires strong technical depth in CNC machining, process engineering, and leadership of a team that bridges engineering, quality, and production.
Key Responsibilities - Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing engineering team (CNC programmers, process engineers, tooling engineers, and manufacturing engineers).
- Own the end-to-end manufacturing process for new and existing build-to-print parts: process planning, routing development, CNC programming, fixture and tooling design, and first-article validation.
- Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, and Program Management to ensure manufacturability, achieve first-pass yield targets, and resolve production issues quickly.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, setup reduction (SMED), and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
- Establish and maintain standardized work, process control plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions that support AS9100 and customer quality system requirements.
- Evaluate and implement new machining technologies, cutting tools, fixturing, and metrology methods to improve capability and competitiveness.
- Support quoting and estimating by providing accurate process plans, cycle times, and tooling cost estimates for new opportunities.
- Manage capital equipment recommendations, justification, and implementation related to manufacturing capability.
- Partner with Quality Engineering on root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and process capability (Cpk/Ppk) improvement for key characteristics.
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet all customer drawing requirements, including material certifications, special processes, and inspection criteria.
Foster a culture of safety, quality, and accountability on the shop floor.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in precision machining / aerospace manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead, supervisory or management role.
- Deep hands-on knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, G-code/CAM programming, and fixture design.
- Proven experience in a build-to-print environment producing aerospace components to tight tolerances and complex geometries.
- Ability to read and interpret complex aerospace drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and material specifications.
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace customer quality requirements.
- Demonstrated success leading process improvement projects that delivered measurable results in quality, cost, or delivery.
- Excellent problem-solving skills using structured methods
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies (high-speed machining, hard milling, in-process probing, automated cells).
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems
- Experience managing both internal processes and external special-process suppliers
Work Environment & Physical Requirements - Work is performed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/shop floor environment.
- Exposure to machine shop conditions, including noise, moving equipment, and industrial materials; appropriate PPE required in designated areas.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting of up to 15 lbs.
Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.
Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match.
