Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Torrance, CA 90505Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 SalaryJob Shift: DayJob Category: EngineeringPOSITION OVERVIEW:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manufacturing Process Development
   • Develop and implement manufacturing processes for rotorcraft structures, mechanical assemblies, powertrain components, and aircraft systems.
   • Translate engineering drawings, specifications, and design intent into production-ready manufacturing plans.
   • Design and validate production layouts, tooling, fixtures, and workstations.
   • Establish standard work, manufacturing instructions, and process documentation.
2. Production Support & Technical Leadership
   • Provide hands‑on engineering support to the factory floor, resolving technical issues affecting production, quality, or schedule.
   • Serve as the technical authority for manufacturing processes within assigned production areas.
   • Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing technicians.
3. Continuous Improvement
   • Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
   • Analyze production performance metrics including:
     • throughput
     • first-pass yield
     • cycle time
     • cost of quality
   • Identify opportunities to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
4. New Product Introduction (NPI)
   • Support introduction of new helicopter models, aircraft modifications, and configuration changes.
   • Lead manufacturability reviews and Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) assessments.
   • Develop tooling strategies and process qualification plans.
5. Compliance & Quality Assurance
   • Ensure manufacturing processes meet aerospace regulatory and quality requirements including:
     • FAA regulations
     • AS9100 quality management systems
     • internal quality procedures
   • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.
6. Capital Equipment & Automation
   • Identify, justify, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, CNC machining, and digital manufacturing tools.
   • Lead capital equipment selection, specification, and commissioning.
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Coordinate with:
     • Design Engineering
     • Quality Assurance
     • Production Control
     • Supply Chain
     • Tooling and Maintenance
   • Support production planning and execution to meet aircraft delivery schedules.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • or related engineering discipline

Experience

• 8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience
• Experience in aerospace or regulated manufacturing environments preferred
• Demonstrated experience supporting production operation

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
  • machining and fabrication processes
  • mechanical assembly
  • tooling and fixture design
  • process validation
• Proficiency with:
  • CAD systems
  • ERP/MES manufacturing systems
  • process documentation and control

Manufacturing Methodologies

• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Process capability and statistical analysis

Manufacturing engineers typically evaluate and improve manufacturing processes, design systems for production, and implement technical solutions to improve efficiency and quality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in rotorcraft or aircraft manufacturing
• Familiarity with FAA Part 21 / production certification environments
• Knowledge of aerospace materials including:
  • aluminum alloys
  • titanium
  • stainless steels
  • composites
• Experience with CNC machining, assembly lines, or automated manufacturing systems
• Project management experience leading cross-functional engineering initiatives

KEY COMPENTENCIES:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Leadership and mentoring ability
• Excellent technical communication
• Hands‑on factory mindset
• Data‑driven decision making

Salary Range: $120,000.00-$145,000.00