Manufacturing Engineer

About Company

Founded in 2015, Global Air Logistics and Training, Inc. (GALT Aerospace) a rapid innovator, solving the world's critical security challenges to enable warriors to win...decisively. GALT Aerospace subscribes to Col John Boyd's tenet "Wars are won by people, ideas and equipment, IN THAT ORDER." Warfighters need tools (equipment) that are flexible. GALT Aerospace will always satisfy the warfighter with such tools. GALT Aerospace provides simple, effective information capabilities to support all levels of war and drive information to the lowest levels possible, enabling faster decision cycles and decisive results. GALT Aerospace uniquely focuses on architecture solutions, effective open systems integration, and rapid prototyping, fielding, and operations.

At GALT Aerospace, employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary and nationally relevant systems. GALT Aerospace looks for people who align with its Core Values:

• The Right Thing:
  • We work on important things that we are passionate about and will make a difference for the US National Security.
  • We are ethical and forthright and expect the same from our employees.
  • We operate with integrity in all things; we do the RIGHT THING.
• Trust and Respect:
  • We always strive to earn and foster trust.
  • We Act and communicate with respect.
  • We foster mutually beneficial relationships.
• Add Value:
  • We take ownership of our tasks and deliver results to our customers, partners and each other.
  • We champion individual expertise, creativity, and accomplishments.
  • We recognize that collaborative teams achieve even greater results.

Job Location

San Diego, CA, Onsite. Minimal domestic travel is required, possibly 10% of the time.

Job Description

GALT Aerospace is seeking an experienced, full-time, salaried, Manufacturing Engineer to drive process excellence in the production of mission-critical aircraft pod-based communications systems. This role focuses on electro-mechanical assembly, cable/harness manufacturing, and the design of efficient workflows and custom fixturing. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-reliability aerospace environment and excels at translating complex designs into repeatable, cost-effective manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization

• Design, document, and validate electro-mechanical assembly processes for pod enclosures, antenna integration, RF modules, and power distribution systems.
• Specify and standardize cable manufacturing workflows (cutting, stripping, crimping, shielding, potting, and continuity/IR testing) in compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards.
• Implement lean principles to reduce cycle time, eliminate waste, and improve first-pass yield.

Tooling & Fixturing Design

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype assembly fixturing, bonding jigs, and test fixtures using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools.
• Validate fixture ergonomics, repeatability, and durability through rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC machining) and pilot runs.
• Manage fixture lifecycle: release drawings, BOMs, and maintenance procedures.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Collaborate with design engineering during DFM/DFA reviews to ensure pod systems are manufacturable and serviceable.
• Create PFMEAs, control plans, and work instructions for new assemblies.
• Lead process qualification (FAI, GR&R, Cp/Cpk) and support FAA conformance documentation.

Sustaining Engineering

• Troubleshoot assembly and cable defects using structured root-cause methods (8D, fishbone, 5-why).
• Drive continuous improvement projects (e.g., automated torque control, vision inspection, laser marking).
• Support supply chain with make-vs-buy analysis and vendor process audits.

Required Skills, Experience, and Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years' experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on expertise in electro-mechanical assembly (torque sequences, bonding, thermal staking, press-fit connectors).
• Deep knowledge of cable and harness manufacturing (automated cut/strip/crimp, over molding, EMI shielding, hi-pot testing).
• Proven track record specifying workflows and designing/building fixturing (SolidWorks; GD&T; tolerance stack-ups).
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and PLM systems (e.g., Arena, Teamcenter).
• Statistical process control (Minitab or JMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher).
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems and FAA regulations (Part 21, POA).
• S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) personnel security clearance

Preferred Skills, Experience and Education

• Master's degree or PE license.
• Experience with RF coaxial cable assembly and environmental stress screening (ESS).
• Familiarity with automation (collaborative robots, pick-and-place, AOI).
• IPC-A-610/620 trainer certification.

Pay Scale

At GALT Aerospace, base pay is one part of the total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as one grows and develops within a role. The base salary range for this role is between $115,000 - $140,000 per year, and a specific candidate's base pay will depend on their skills, qualifications, experience, and location.