Manufacturing Test Engineer

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

Avionics - Aftermarket - Engineering /

Full Time Reg | F /

On-site

About Acron Aviation (Avionics - Aftermarket | Thermal Switches):

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems and aerospace components that support safety-critical operations across commercial and military aviation. Within our Aftermarket organization, the Thermal Switch product line supports the manufacture, sustainment, and continuous improvement of highly reliable thermal protection devices used in demanding aerospace and industrial applications. Our teams are focused on operational excellence, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and continuous innovation to support long-term customer success.

Job Title

Manufacturing Test Engineer - Thermal Switches

Position Summary

Acron Aviation is seeking a motivated Manufacturing Test Engineer to support our growing Thermal Switch product line. This role focuses on improving manufacturing test operations through automation, process optimization, throughput improvements, and test system modernization.

The successful candidate will work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Product Engineering teams to identify production bottlenecks, improve test efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance product quality. This position offers an opportunity to directly influence manufacturing performance by implementing innovative test solutions and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys balancing hands-on troubleshooting with strategic improvement projects.

Production Test Support

• Maintain and support production test equipment used in Thermal Switch manufacturing

• Troubleshoot hardware, software, instrumentation, and fixture issues impacting production output

• Provide day-to-day engineering support to manufacturing and test technicians

• Investigate test failures and implement corrective actions to improve first-pass yield

• Develop and maintain production test procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation

Process Improvement & Throughput Enhancement

• Identify and eliminate production bottlenecks affecting test throughput

• Analyze production metrics and test cycle times to drive efficiency improvements

• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

• Reduce manual operations through automation and process simplification

• Partner with Operations to improve workflow, equipment utilization, and production capacity

• Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor test performance and manufacturing efficiency

Test System Modernization

• Upgrade and modernize legacy test equipment and software platforms

• Evaluate new technologies that improve reliability, maintainability, and throughput

• Design and implement automated test solutions to reduce labor content and improve consistency

• Improve test data collection, reporting, and traceability capabilities

• Support future production line expansion and capacity growth initiatives

Quality & Reliability

• Support root cause investigations related to product quality and manufacturing escapes

• Implement improvements that strengthen process control and product consistency

• Assist in validating process changes and equipment upgrades

• Support calibration, preventive maintenance, and equipment qualification activities

• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure compliance with applicable standards and procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Production, Quality, and Product Development teams

• Participate in continuous improvement events and operational excellence initiatives

• Provide technical training and guidance to production and test personnel

• Lead small- to medium-sized engineering projects from concept through implementation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing test engineering, production engineering, automation engineering, manufacturing engineering, or production support environments

• Experience troubleshooting automated test systems, fixtures, and production equipment

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Knowledge of manufacturing process improvement methodologies

• Experience with data analysis and performance metric reporting

• Ability to work effectively with production personnel and cross-functional teams

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience supporting high-volume or repetitive manufacturing environments

• Experience with Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement methodologies

• Familiarity with instrumentation and data acquisition systems

• Programming or scripting experience using Visual Basic, LabWindows/CVI, or similar tools

• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP systems, and production reporting tools

• Experience implementing automation or modernization projects that resulted in measurable throughput improvements

Desired Characteristics

• Results-oriented engineer with a strong sense of ownership

• Passion for process optimization and operational excellence

• Strong collaboration and communication skills

• Ability to balance day-to-day production support with long-term improvement initiatives

• Hands-on approach to troubleshooting and problem resolution

• Continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost

Equal Opportunity Statement

Acron Aviation is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Additional Information:

Acron Aviation maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where allowed by law. Acron Aviation is an E-Verify employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.