Sr. Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer

We have an Excellent Contract position for a Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer to join a leading Company located in Culpeper , VA.  

Pay Rate: $70.00 per hour

**US Citizenship is required.**

**Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.**

Seeking an experienced Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer to join our Missile Solutions Segment at our Orange, VA facility - our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion, Energetics development, and high-complexity production programs. Nestled in the beautiful, rural Orange County countryside, this site offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge defense programs in a collaborative andmission-driven environment.

Reporting to the Manager of Manufacturing Engineering, this position operates within a matrixed organization alongside operations, quality engineering, design engineering, and program management. The Senior Specialist will focus on improving, automating, and growing existing production lines, with a strong emphasis on energetic machining operations, machine shop processes, and manufacturing excellence. This role will lead significant improvement projects with measurable impact across multiple programs, while also mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.

Job Responsibilities:

• Apply advanced knowledge of machining and fabrication principles to support and improve energetic and non-energetic manufacturing operations, including:
  • CNC programming and operation
  • Design for Machining (DFM) principles
  • Precision machining of energetic components and assemblies
  • Machine shop equipment operation, setup, and optimization
• Lead and support energetic assembly, machining, and manufacturing operations, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements
• Drive modernization and automation of production facilities, including the evaluation and integration of new machining technologies and process equipment
• Demonstrate process ownership of established manufacturing activities by utilizing systematic tools to determine root cause, implement improvements, and ensure conformance to safety and quality standards
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation including:
  • Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs)
  • Manufacturing Bills of Materials (MBOMs)
  • Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs)
  • Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
  • Detailed work instructions and process sheets based on technical drawings and specifications
• Lead defect identification, root cause investigations, and resolution activities to reduce Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ)
• Monitor and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs to ensure process stability and capability
• Support tooling development and design reviews, including implementation into manufacturing processes and associated safety reviews
• Direct and mentor lower-level manufacturing engineering staff, providing technical guidance and supporting the knowledge development of novice engineers
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, design engineering, operations, and program management to resolve manufacturing challenges and support program objectives
• Travel up to 5% of the time as required to support program needs

Basic Hiring Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant engineering experience
• OR Graduate degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience
• OR in lieu ofa degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior related engineering experience
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Desired Qualifications: 

• Hands-on experience with energetic materials machining and assembly operations
• Strong proficiency in CNC programming, setup, and operation within a precision machining environment
• Experience with machine shop tools and fabrication equipment includingmills, lathes, grinders, and related tooling
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and working from technical drawings, engineering specifications, and GD&T requirements
• Proven track record of leading high-impact manufacturing improvement projects with measurable results
• Experience with automation integration in a machining or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with DoD 4145 standards and energetic materials safety requirements
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience applying structured root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis tools

Benefits offered vary by contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, andaffordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.