Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

The Engineering role is responsible for leading all engineering activities within precision aerospace machining and assembly operation. This position provides technical leadership and strategic direction for manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, process development, new product introduction, program management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Engineering will work closely with customers, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with aerospace quality and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience supporting aerospace OEM and Tier 1 customers including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Bell. This individual will lead a team of engineers and technical professionals while driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, Process Engineering, and Technical Support teams.
• Develop manufacturing processes for complex aerospace machining and assembled components.
• Provide technical oversight for CNC programming, tooling strategies, fixture design, and process optimization.
• Manage engineering support for production operations, ensuring efficient and cost-effective manufacturing methods.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
• Apply advanced GD&T principles to manufacturing, inspection planning, and process development activities.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and transition programs from quotation through production launch.
• Develop project schedules, resource plans, and milestones using Microsoft Project.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of customer programs.
• Support estimating and quoting activities by developing manufacturing plans, cycle times, labor estimates, tooling requirements, and cost models.
• Interface directly with customers regarding technical issues, program status, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer-specific requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to quality and production issues.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate engineering personnel to build a high-performing technical organization.
• Establish engineering metrics and KPIs to measure departmental performance and effectiveness.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: President and GM

Direct Reports:

• Manufacturing Engineers
• CNC Programmers
• Process Engineers
• Technical Specialists

Work Environment

This position operates within a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production personnel, customers, suppliers, and executive leadership. Occasional travel to customer and supplier facilities may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering leadership experience managing technical engineering teams.Strong background in aerospace precision machining, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience working with major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 customers including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Bell.
• Extensive knowledge and programming capability of CNC machining processes and CNC programming.
• Strong understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proven experience in program management and new product introduction.
• Proficiency in estimating, quoting, and cost analysis for aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software including Mastercam, NX, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting complex multi-axis CNC machining operations.

Key Competencies

• Technical Leadership
• Program Management
• Aerospace Manufacturing Expertise
• CNC Programming & Process Development
• GD&T Proficiency
• Customer Relationship Management
• Cost Estimating
• Strategic Planning
• Team Development
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making