About the Organization Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets: Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.
EOE Statement Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity employer.
Description The Sr Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the technical development, oversight and improvement of manufacturing processes within the area of responsibility. This individual will lead process optimization, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional manufacturing initiatives. This role is accountable for achieving senior-level competence Plans and presents engineering program and product design reviews for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements, and related specifications. Develops and requests design and specification change releases. Assesses and communicates impact of engineering initiatives to functional groups. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced technical depth, measurable impact on production performance, and the ability to mentor mid-level and entry-level engineers while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders. This role is classified as Exempt for FLSA purposes and reports to the Engineering Manager.
Pay Range: $110,00.00 to $137,000.00 per year. Final compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.
Essential Responsibilities - Develop, release, and maintain detailed technical work instructions for the manufacture and repair of aerospace metallic structures and assemblies, ensuring full compliance with customer(s) engineering definition and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with CNC Programming group to develop and implement manufacturing plan for complex metallic machined components/assemblies.
- Provide advanced technical support to Quality and Operations teams to achieve site-level Safety, Cost, Quality, and Delivery (SCQD) objectives; act as a primary escalation point for complex manufacturing issues.
- Partner with Purchasing and Sales during the quoting process to define manufacturing approach, assess technical risk, establish labor standards, and ensure cost competitiveness.
- Establish and validate operational standard hours using time studies and process analysis; drive accuracy in routing and capacity planning assumptions.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and model-based definitions to ensure manufacturability; translate design requirements into controlled shop-floor documentation.
- Train and mentor operators and junior engineers on manufacturing methods, process controls, and quality standards; elevate overall technical capability of the team.
- Lead productivity and cost-reduction initiatives through Lean principles, waste elimination, and process optimization; quantify and report measurable performance improvements.
- Develop, validate, and industrialize manufacturing processes for new product introduction (NPI), ensuring processes meet defined capability, repeatability, and quality targets prior to production release.
- Evaluate nonconforming components and determine repair feasibility; develop and validate repair schemes in coordination with Engineering and Quality functions
The individual is required to be a supportive member of Environmental Safety & Health (ESH) and Quality System policies to provide a safe work place and eliminate conditions and behaviors which may cause work related illnesses and/or injuries while delivering quality product and services on time.
Position Requirements Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or relevant technical discipline, or HS Diploma/GED w/equivalent composite/aerospace manufacturing/repair experience. 5+ years of technical experience with composites and/or aerospace components production or repair.
Desired Characteristics - Demonstrated experience creating, structuring, and maintaining complex multi-level Bills of Material (BOMs) for aerospace assemblies, ensuring configuration control and production readiness.
- Proven experience in the developing and implementing machining strategies of large-scale metallic aerospace structures, including fixturing for both Milling and Turning.
- Hands-on experience machining large metallic aerospace components, including process planning, tooling strategy, and dimensional validation.
- Strong proficiency in engineering drawing interpretation, including advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) application and tolerance analysis.
- Working knowledge of CAD systems such as CATIA, SolidWorks, NX; ability to interrogate models to support manufacturability and tooling design decisions.
- Experience designing and validating manufacturing tooling for, including production fixtures, machining/holding fixtures and assembly aids.
- Demonstrated change management capability, including leading engineering change implementation across cross-functional teams; ability to manage risk, stakeholder alignment, and execution discipline.
- Strategic thinker capable of translating high-level engineering change initiatives into structured, tactical execution plans; analytical, data-driven, and results-oriented.
- Strong background in continuous improvement methodologies including Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and ACE; proven record of measurable operational improvements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across organizational levels; demonstrated ability to build engagement and sustain a culture of operational excellence
- Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.
Shift First
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Location Applied Aerospace & Defense, Santa Ana
Category Engineering
Req Number ENG-26-00001
Position Sr Manufacturing Engineer - Metals
Close DatePost Internal Days 0
Number of Openings 1
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
Hiring Manager(s) Jacqueline Cadena
This position is currently accepting applications. 
