Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in improving our manufacturing operations across machining, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly. The engineer will focus on building robust and repeatable processes, resolving technical issues, reducing cost of goods sold (COGS), and collaborating with internal teams and our aerospace customers on quality and technical matters. This is a hands-on, technical role that bridges engineering, production, quality, and customer interface.

Essential Functions

To accomplish this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead root-cause investigations for manufacturing quality issues (yield losses, scrap, rework, non-conformances) in machining, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes and work instructions to improve repeatability, reduce cycle times, and minimize cost.
  Design and specify production tooling, fixtures, inspection jigs, and gauges to support manufacturing and quality control.
  Utilize CAD systems (e.g., CATIA or equivalent) to model tooling, fixtures, process layouts, and assist engineering in part design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Collaborate with machining, fabrication, and assembly teams - including programming, setup, and operator training - to ensure processes are robust and capable
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through process improvement, material usage optimization, scrap/rework reduction, and efficient tooling design
• Establish, monitor, and improve key process metrics (e.g., process capability Cp/Cpk, first-pass yield, throughput, scrap rate, cost per part)
• Work directly with aerospace customers (internal or external) on quality and technical issues: respond to customer Q & NCRs, support customer audits and reviews, lead corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs), ensure customer requirements and specifications are met
• Support design engineering by providing manufacturability feedback, tooling/fixture feedback, tolerance stack-up support, and suggestions for cost-effective designs
• Participate in continuous improvement programs (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma) and lead small projects to improve process flow, reduce waste, and enhance safety and ergonomics
• Document and maintain process flows, engineering change notices (ECNs), control plans, FMEAs, inspection plans, and ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards (such as AS9100)
• Stay current on machining/fabrication/assembly technologies and best practices in aerospace manufacturing and propose upgrades or improvements when appropriate

Required Education and Work Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of Manufacturing Engineering experience within the aerospace or similar high-precision sector, involving machining, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Certification in Lean / Six Sigma (Green Belt or above) preferred.
• Experience working with statistical process control (SPC), MSA (Measurement System Analysis), GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) preferred.
• Experience in customer-facing quality roles (NCR resolution, customer audits, supplier quality interface).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing data systems (e.g., Infor, SAP, or equivalent).

Other Required Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities to handle unexpected challenges and make decisions appropriately
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, securing customer documents and company records, and demonstrating integrity in communications and actions
• Professional verbal and written communication skills (English) are essential,
• Strong communication skills and ability to interface effectively with internal teams and external customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Hands-on experience with CAD software preferably CATIA (Part Design, Generative Shape Design, Drafting) and/or equivalent systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design production tooling, fixtures, inspection jigs/gauges.
• Solid understanding of machining/fabrication processes (milling, turning, grinding, bending, forming, welding, rivet/fasten, assembly) and ability to troubleshoot and optimize those processes.
• Strong experience with quality and manufacturing improvement methodologies, root-cause analysis, process capability studies, FMEA, control plans.
• Ability to work independently, manage projects, prioritize tasks and deliver improvements in a production environment.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry specifications, standards, and regulations (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP, aerospace material specifications) is preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, including all buildings and the manufacturing areas; occasionally navigating rough or uneven terrain
• Regularly lift, carry (short distances), and push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally climb steps, stairs, or ladders.
• Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel.
• Constantly communicate verbally and in writing (English) using a phone, texts or other messaging, and email.
• Drive a motor vehicle (occasionally)

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a combination of locations including offices and the manufacturing shop environment where working conditions vary significantly; the employee will be exposed to:

• Excessive noise (occasionally)
• Dust, smoke, fumes/vapors (occasionally)
• Extreme temperatures (occasionally)
• Hazardous equipment including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, complex machining centers and other equipment used in a machine shop environment (occasionally).
• The use of PPE, including hearing protection, eye and hand protection, and use of safety footwear in the manufacturing environment is required.

Travel
Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is required. Travel may be by air or ground transportation. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving history to meet insurance standards is required.

This role is identified as requiring ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance; therefore, qualified candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person (per EAR Part 772 and ITAR 120.15):

• An individual who is granted U.S. citizenship, or
• An individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence (i.e., a "Green Card" holder), or
• An individual who is granted status as a "protected person"

About Accurus Aerospace Kent, LLC
Accurus Aerospace Kent LLC was founded in 1977 in Kent, WA. Over the past three decades, Accurus has evolved into a preferred supplier of sheet metal fabricated parts, high-precision machined parts, kits, and bench top assemblies to the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Located in a 47,000 square foot facility only 15 minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Accurus is a center of Aerospace excellence and one-stop source for high speed precision machining, fabrication, and assembly.

We appreciate your interest in Accurus Aerospace; however, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Accurus offers a comprehensive employee benefit package upon completion of 30 days of employment. For full details, please visit the benefits section of our website.

Accurus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) employer and participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. Please see our website for more information on employment practices.

Please note that Accurus only accepts applications submitted through our online recruiting system. For information on disability accommodations for applicants, please visit our career page.

All job offers are contingent upon successfully completing a drug screen and criminal background screening. Certain positions may require a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), a credit report, and/or a medical physical examination.

Thank you for considering Accurus for your next career opportunity.