Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, evaluating, and improving manufacturing processes to support efficient production operations. This role applies engineering expertise to optimize workflows, enhance productivity, support automation initiatives, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality requirements.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Analyze, develop, and improve manufacturing processes and production methods to increase efficiency, reduce waste, minimize bottlenecks, and optimize production times in coordination with management, engineering, and other relevant personnel to support management planning and decision-making.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and/or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA, to support the design of tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing layouts.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to interpret and define engineering tolerances in accordance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
• Collaborate with management teams during New Product Introduction (NPI) activities to evaluate the practicality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing prototypes.
• Apply knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery, and robotic systems to support equipment programming and integration into manufacturing processes.
• Assist with identifying, purchasing, installing, and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment, machinery, and robotic system to support established schedules and financial budgets.
• Diagnose production interruptions, equipment malfunctions, and unexpected manufacturing defects to identify and address operational problems.
• Apply knowledge of material properties, including metals and plasma coatings, to evaluate their behavior during fabrication and bonding processes.
• Coordinate with vendors to review equipment, material, and component specifications, support purchasing arrangements, and evaluate products against established quality and technical requirements.
• Utilize analytical tools, including Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, SQL, or Power BI, to analyze manufacturing data, monitor production cycle times, track process performance metrics, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Facilitate communication among design, finance, management, engineering, and production personnel regarding manufacturing requirements, operational considerations, and project activities.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Will participate in and support safety initiatives, safe work practices, including immediately reporting hazards, unsafe work practices and accidents/injuries.
• Will follow all safety rules, FAA regulations, PPE compliance, and equipment operation requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands: Requires sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Requires frequent walking, bending, and reaching to shoulder level. Requires occasional squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling weight up to 20 pounds. Requires repetitive hand movement. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Technical expertise in manufacturing processes, automation technologies, engineering standards, materials, tooling, and production equipment; ability to optimize manufacturing performance, resolve technical issues, support process and equipment improvements, analyze operational data, and work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, MRO, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting aircraft components, engine components, aerostructures, avionics, or aviation repair operations preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement programs.