Manufacturing Engineer 2

Seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 2 to support, build, optimize, and sustain the production capability and operational mindset within the Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) on-site in Madison, AL. As a Manufacturing Engineer 2, you’ll support the focus on improving production processes, develop tooling using CAD software, create clear work instructions and cost-effective innovative manufacturing solutions. Every day, you’ll work directly with management, engineering, prog./project managers and technician staff regarding manufacturing capabilities to develop clear and efficient workflows that convert engineering designs into delivered products.

The Manufacturing Engineer 2 will govern changes to manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and documentation to maintain process stability and configuration control. This role is instrumental in driving production excellence through manufacturing engineering expertise and operational process development working closely with Operations and Design Engineering.

This position will require at minimum the ability to obtain & maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War. Must pass a National Background Check.

We're seeking the following in a Manufacturing Engineer 2:

• Proven track record in manufacturing environment product launches
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience and practice
• Identify manufacturing production cell / plant layout opportunities to determine the optimal layouts and streamline assembly operations to reduce inefficiencies in labor and rework
• Experience evaluating manufacturing constraints, capacity, and required resources across the production environment
• Provide redline support to engineering drawings to resolve manufacturing discrepancies
• Experience in providing design and manufacturing guidance for job aids, weld jigs, alignment jigs, fixtures, and tooling that improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency
• Identify and resolve manufacturability issues arising on the shop floor, collaborating with Operations and Design Engineering to develop robust solutions
• Ability to own and govern the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (mBOM) and/or Bill of Process throughout the entire product lifecycle
• Experience identifying and implementing operational metrics and concepts to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Ability to develop concept of operations (CONOPs) that define the build sequence, workflow, and optimize production
• Production documentation (production flow diagram, work instructions, FMEAs and control plans) creation experience
• Proven experience in process mapping, lean manufacturing, PFMEA , root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS CAD software
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues to ensure smooth production operations
• Excellent verbal and written skills needed
• Independently determine and develop approach to solutions
• Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required
• Ability to perform work which requires sitting, sitting for long periods of time, pushing, pulling, standing, standing for long periods of time, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, hold and move items with hand(s), multilimbed coordination, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, vision for close and distance and must be able to lift up to 50lbs individually, 50lbs or more with assistance

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 5+ years relevant work experience; OR Associate's Degree in Engineering and 8+ years relevant work experience; OR In lieu of a degree, a H.S. diploma and 10+ years’ experience as Manufacturing Engineer in a DoW manufacturing field

Wish List/Nice if You have:

• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Depart. of War
• Lean Manufacturing or Quality Certifications
• Familiarity with defense manufacturing industry
• Experience with ERP – Deltek Costpoint
• Solidworks PDM
• Experience with SmartSheets

Who is ARA?

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.


*Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to:

ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at

Interested? Please apply at careers.ara.com for the Manufacturing Engineer 2 position. #LI-AB1

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.