The Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in supporting aerospace and defense machining operations from the quoting stage through production and quality. This position requires a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise in precision CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis work, who can bridge quoting, process development, and quality assurance.
The ideal candidate will develop and optimize manufacturing processes, ensure compliance with AS9100D standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives that align with customer, regulatory, and defense-aerospace requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Provide technical input and cost analysis during the quoting process, including time studies and manufacturing method recommendations
Develop, document, and optimize machining processes for complex aerospace and defense components (3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning)
Create and maintain job travelers, routings, work instructions, and process documentation
Collaborate with programming, production, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with customer specifications
Support new product introduction (NPI), tooling design/selection, and process validation
Drive continuous improvement in cycle times, tooling utilization, setup reduction, and throughput
Ensure processes meet AS9100D, ITAR, and customer quality requirements
Provide technical support during first-article inspections (FAI) and production readiness reviews
Act as a liaison between quoting, production, and quality to resolve issues and improve performance
Support corrective actions, root cause analysis, and problem-solving activities related to machining and quality
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in precision aerospace machining (aerospace & defense environment strongly preferred)
Proven knowledge of CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and turning
Strong understanding of GD&T, aerospace blueprints, and tight-tolerance machining requirements
Experience with quoting, cost estimation, and process planning
Familiarity with AS9100D/ISO 9001 quality systems and aerospace/defense compliance requirements
Hands-on problem-solving skills, with experience in root cause and corrective action methodologies
Proficiency in CAD/CAM and ERP/MRP systems (Sage 100 experience a plus)
Preferred
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) in aerospace machining
Knowledge of ITAR, defense contracts, and customer FAI requirements
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and quality teams
Strong communication and presentation skills for both technical and customer-facing situations
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