Lead Manufacturing Engineer

About the RoleJoin a growing aerospace and defense manufacturing organization as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, where you'll combine technical expertise, team leadership, and continuous improvement to support complex manufacturing programs. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys leading technical teams, improving manufacturing processes, and helping drive projects from development through production.In this role, you'll lead a team of engineers supporting manufacturing operations and serve as the technical owner for assigned product lines. You'll work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Program teams to improve processes, resolve technical challenges, support new product development, and ensure successful project execution.Maximise your chances of a successful application to this job by ensuring your CV and skills are a good match.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and mentor a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting aerospace and defense production programsOwn the technical aspects of assigned product lines and provide engineering support throughout the product lifecycleDrive manufacturing projects from development through production while managing technical priorities and deliverablesLead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesPromote Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles throughout product developmentSupport risk assessments, design and technical data package reviews, design reviews, proposals, and failure investigationsPartner with Production to prioritize engineering activities and support manufacturing needsLead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts to resolve manufacturing and product issuesDrive process improvements including Lean cell conversions, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and SMED initiativesSupport customer technical discussions, problem resolution, and other customer-facing activitiesDevelop team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and technical developmentFoster a collaborative, team-based engineering environment focused on quality, productivity, and continuous improvementQualificationsBachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline5+ years of manufacturing engineering or project experience; 10+ years preferredExperience leading technical projects or cross-functional engineering teamsStrong knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologiesExperience with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and structured problem-solvingStrong project management, technical writing, cost estimating, and analytical skillsAbility to communicate effectively with engineering, production, customers, and leadershipStrong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to develop technical talentPreferred QualificationsExperience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologiesExperience with SPC, SMED, Lean cell design, or similar manufacturing improvement initiativesAerospace and defense manufacturing experienceExperience developing and implementing manufacturing processes for complex mechanical or energetic systemsFamiliarity with ordnance devices, missile systems, launch vehicles, or other mission-critical aerospace hardwareExperience working with U.S. Department of Defense or ITAR-controlled productsSecurity RequirementsMust have or be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearanceMust be eligible to work on U.S. DoD and ITAR-restricted productsWhy Join?Lead engineering teams supporting advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing programsDrive meaningful improvements in manufacturing quality, efficiency, and production performanceWork on complex, mission-critical products and technologiesDevelop and mentor engineering talent while expanding your leadership experienceCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, technically challenging environmentBuild your career in an organization focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and national defenseInterested in learning more? xhyhwjd We'd love to connect and discuss this opportunity further.