We\'re seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of complex wire harness programs across our customer portfolio. You\'ll develop engineering packages including detailed work instructions and formboards, drive process improvements and serve as the technical point of contact for assigned programs, working closely with production, quality and customers to deliver.
You\'ll own programs end-to-end - managing customer relationships, solving complex technical challenges, developing build processes, and ensuring quality and delivery targets are met. You need to be self-sufficient, technically deep, and comfortable operating with minimal direction.
This role reports to the Lead Manufacturing Engineer but operates with significant independence day-to-day.
What you\'ll own:Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
- Lead planning and coordination of complex harness builds by developing comprehensive work instructions, formboards, and tooling solutions
- Establish manufacturing standards and processes that enable production to build efficiently and autonomously
- Drive improvements to quality, efficiency, and throughput through process benchmarking and workflow optimization
- Evaluate new parts and processes, determining optimal paths for assembly and scalability
- Commission new equipment, qualify processes, and optimize production flow as needed
- Partner with the production team on technical issues that require engineering disposition, providing structured solutions rather than ad hoc floor support
Continuous Improvement & Site Operations
- Work with the production team to surface systemic issues, translating recurring blockers into process improvements and engineering solutions
- Collaborate with the software team on digital solutions to improve traceability, workflow, and reporting
- Maintain 5S, lean manufacturing principles, and adherence to aerospace quality standards
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation that keeps assigned programs aligned with IPC-620/NASA 8739.4 and customer-specific requirements
Customer Program Management
- Serve as the primary technical liaison between production and assigned customers
- Manage complex technical inquiries, resolve escalated issues, and ensure adherence to stringent specifications
- Collaborate with the Program Management Team on program reviews and customer communications, providing technical depth and engineering rationale as needed
- Coordinate cross-functionally with production, quality, and supply chain to maintain program momentum and resolve blockers
What you\'ll bring to the team:- Bachelor\'s degree in engineering, STEM-related field, or 8+ years of directly related hands-on manufacturing experience
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in fast-paced production environments (wire harness, electrical assembly, or similar)
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a high-accountability role
- Strong customer-facing skills with ability to manage technical relationships and communicate effectively
- Proficiency in CAD tools for creating assembly drawings and tooling designs
- Deep understanding of manufacturing principles: material workflow optimization, PFMEA, 5S, lean manufacturing, time studies, capacity planning
- Expert ability to evaluate parts and processes, determining optimal assembly approaches quickly
- Self-motivated problem-solver who thrives on autonomy and takes ownership of outcomes
- Excellent project management skills with ability to juggle multiple programs and priorities
Preferred:
- Certification or extensive experience with IPC-620 or NASA STD 8739.4 standards
- Deep expertise in aerospace and defense wire harness best practices and quality standards
- Experience at a contract manufacturing company managing multiple customer programs simultaneously
- Hands-on background with complex harness fabrication, box builds, connector mates, and electrical testing - used to inform engineering decisions, not as a primary job function
- Experience leading process improvement initiatives (Six Sigma, Kaizen) with documented efficiency gains
- 10+ years of overall manufacturing engineering experience with progressive responsibility
- Background with MES or ERP systems
- Supply chain coordination experience
Compensation: - Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
- Salary Range: $130,000-$180,000
- This is an onsite role at our headquarters in Redondo Beach, CA or Cypress, CA.
Benefits: - Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team
- Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses
- 20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation
- a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement
- Choose a record you love, and we\'ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!
- $50/month DoorDash credit - lunch is on us!
- Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships
- Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
- Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!
- Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking
- Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots
Pay range
$130,000-$180,000 USD
