Process Engineering Manager

PacAero

$85K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in CNC machining, manufacturing, or process engineering; engineering degree preferred.
  • Strong experience in Mastercam programming for 3-axis and 5-axis machining.
  • Background in regulated environments like aerospace, defense, or medical devices.
  • Knowledge of feed integration, precision assembly, plating, GD&T, and AS9100/ISO 9001 documentation.
  • Hands-on leadership ability and strong mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and improvement of high-tolerance manufacturing processes.
  • Provide technical leadership and coaching on the manufacturing floor.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain for performance improvements.
  • Program and develop complex NC code for CNC machines.
  • Set up and optimize 5-axis and vertical machining centers for production.
  • Tackle troubleshooting issues in machining processes and support production runs.
  • Coordinate and oversee plating and surface finish requirements.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Paid time off and paid sick time
  • Paid holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities
  • Employee recognition programs and team events
  • Bonus eligibility
Full Job Description
Position Summary

PacAero Agawam is seeking a hands-on Process Engineering Manager to lead the development, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing processes for high-precision aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical products. This working manager role combines deep technical ownership with day-to-day leadership across CNC machining, feed integration, plating, process documentation, and production support.

Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite, Monday-Friday

Reports To: General Manager

Requirements

Process Engineering & Manufacturing Leadership
  • Own process development, validation, documentation, training, and improvement for high-mix, tight-tolerance manufacturing.
  • Provide daily technical leadership and coaching while staying directly engaged in floor-level problem solving.
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost per established KPIs.

CNC Machining & Programming
  • Program and develop NC code in Mastercam for complex 3-axis and 5-axis components.
  • Set up, prove out, and optimize Okuma 5-axis and Haas vertical machining centers, including tooling, fixtures, and first-piece support.
  • Troubleshoot machining and process issues and support prototype and production runs.
  • Drive automation and advanced manufacturing technology.

Feed Integration & Package Assembly Processes
  • Lead feed integration process development, including alignment, joining, routing, fixture building, work instructions, and inspection criteria.

Plating & Surface-Finish Processes
  • Coordinate plating and surface-finish requirements, including customized rack designs, preparation, processing, inspection, traceability, and supplier control.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
  • 8+ years of progressive CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering experience; engineering degree preferred.
  • Strong Mastercam programming and CNC setup experience, preferably with Okuma 5-axis and Haas vertical machining centers.
  • Experience leading technical work or teams in aerospace, defense, medical device, RF/microwave, or similarly regulated manufacturing.
  • Working knowledge of feed integration, precision package assembly, plating/surface finish, GD&T, inspection, and AS9100/ISO 9001 documentation.

Skills & Competencies
  • Hands-on, floor-oriented leadership style with strong mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to read drawings and specifications, make sound technical decisions, and drive projects to completion.
  • Strong communication, organization, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Quality Management
  • Become familiar with and comply with PacAero's Quality Management System (QMS) requirements as they relate to the position.
  • Understand and support the company's Quality Policy.
  • Maintain compliance with customer, regulatory, and company requirements.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Onsite work in a climate-controlled precision manufacturing environment with frequent interaction across CNC machining, tooling, fixtures, feed integration, and plating operations.
  • Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the manufacturing facility.
  • Ability to safely lift and handle items up to 50 pounds.
  • Work may occur around CNC equipment, tooling, fixtures, chemicals, and plating operations in accordance with established safety requirements.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation range listed for this position reflects PacAero's good-faith estimate of the expected pay for the role at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered may vary based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, education, certifications, training, geographic location, and internal equity considerations.

PacAero offers a competitive total rewards package that may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Paid time off and paid sick time
  • Paid holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities
  • Employee recognition programs and team events
  • This position is bonus eligible

Eligibility and coverage are subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans.

Salary Description

$85,000.00 - $115,000.00/year

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