Manufacturing Engineer

Key Responsibilities
• Develop, document, and validate end-to-end manufacturing processes for precision-machined aerospace and defense components, including routings, work instructions, and process travelers.
• Support and review CNC/CAM programming (Mastercam, NX CAM, or equivalent) for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and turning operations; optimize toolpaths, speeds, feeds, and tooling selection.
• Design and procure tooling, fixtures, and workholding that ensure accuracy, repeatability, and safe, efficient setups.
• Lead new-part introduction and First Article Inspection (AS9102), partnering with quality to establish control plans and inspection methods.
• Apply GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to interpret drawings and models and drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to customers and design engineering.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues using root-cause analysis and corrective action (CAPA/8D); support Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions on non-conformances.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methods to reduce cycle time, scrap, and cost while improving quality and on-time delivery.
• Select appropriate cutting strategies and process parameters for difficult materials such as titanium, nickel superalloys (Inconel, Waspaloy), stainless, and hardened steels.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to machinists and setup personnel on the production floor.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, NADCAP special-process requirements, and ITAR/EAR export-control regulations.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field - or an equivalent combination of a Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) degree and directly relevant experience.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a precision CNC machining environment (aerospace, defense, or turbine components strongly preferred).
• Working proficiency with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and reading engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Hands-on experience with CNC milling and/or turning processes and familiarity with CAM programming.
• Demonstrated ability to develop tooling/fixturing and to create manufacturing process documentation.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA, or Creo) and Microsoft Office.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR export-control requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience machining titanium, Inconel, or other nickel-based superalloys.
• Familiarity with turbine-component processes such as broaching, creep-feed grinding, or Fir Tree profiling.
• Proficiency in Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Esprit, or NX CAM, including post-processor and G-code experience.
• Experience in an AS9100- and/or NADCAP-accredited facility, including First Article Inspection (AS9102) and PPAP/APQP.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) and experience leading continuous-improvement projects.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Epicor, JobBOSS, or E2) and with additive manufacturing.

Key Competencies

Problem-solving and analytical rigor • attention to detail • cross-functional collaboration • clear written and verbal communication • project ownership and prioritization • bias toward hands-on, floor-level engagement.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role is based on-site in a manufacturing/machine-shop environment. The engineer will regularly be on the production floor near operating CNC equipment, requiring appropriate personal protective equipment. The position may involve standing for extended periods, occasional lifting of tooling and fixtures (typically up to 40 lbs), and occasional travel between facilities.