Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role offers the opportunity to build and own the entire manufacturing engineering function for a fast-moving aerospace and defense organization. You will lead the development of robust manufacturing processes for electro-mechanical assemblies and cable and harness products, define workflows, and create fixturing and documentation that ensure high-quality, repeatable production in a highly regulated environment. This position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a growth-oriented setting, enjoys working close to the product, and is motivated by supporting mission-critical systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, optimization, and ownership of manufacturing processes for aerospace and defense electro-mechanical assemblies and cable and harness products.
- Define detailed manufacturing workflows, including process flows, cycle times, and task times, to support efficient and scalable production.
- Design and build assembly fixtures and tooling using SolidWorks, applying GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure manufacturability and repeatability.
- Develop, write, and maintain clear work instructions and process documentation that support consistent execution on the production floor.
- Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to new and existing products to reduce complexity, improve yield, and lower production risk.
- Oversee and refine electro-mechanical assembly processes, including torque sequencing, bonding, thermal staking, and press-fit connector installation.
- Establish and support cable and harness manufacturing processes, including automated cut, strip, and crimp operations, overmolding, EMI shielding, and hi-pot testing.
- Support and, where applicable, lead first article inspection activities to validate new processes and ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure manufacturing processes and documentation align with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems and applicable FAA regulations, including Part 21 and Production Organization Approval (POA).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate manufacturing requirements into product designs and to resolve production issues quickly and effectively.
- Utilize MRP and PLM systems to manage manufacturing data, bills of materials, and engineering changes in a controlled and traceable manner.
- Apply process flow expertise and statistical process control methods to monitor performance, drive continuous improvement, and reduce variation.
- Support and, where appropriate, help implement manufacturing automation solutions, including collaborative robots, pick-and-place systems, and automated optical inspection.
- Contribute to a culture of rapid prototyping and iterative improvement, enabling fast decision cycles and reliable fielding of new capabilities.
- Protect controlled information and support compliance with security requirements associated with aerospace and defense programs.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing engineering.
- Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical assembly processes, including torque sequencing, bonding, thermal staking, and press-fit connectors.
- Strong expertise in cable and harness manufacturing, including automated cut, strip, and crimp processes, overmolding, EMI shielding, and hi-pot testing.
- Proven ability to define manufacturing workflows and process flows, including understanding of cycle time and task time.
- Demonstrated capability to design and build assembly fixturing using SolidWorks.
- Proficiency with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis for manufacturable designs and fixtures.
- Deep knowledge of cable and harness manufacturing and electromechanical assembly best practices.
- Experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to new and existing products.
- Knowledge of IPC/J-STD-001 requirements and related workmanship standards.
- Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, including Part 21 and Production Organization Approval (POA).
- Experience with manufacturing engineering in aerospace and defense environments.
- Ability to work effectively as the primary or sole manufacturing engineer, taking ownership of processes and documentation.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense personnel security clearance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering; additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Experience with RF coaxial cable assembly and environmental stress screening (ESS).
- Familiarity with manufacturing automation, including collaborative robots, pick-and-place systems, and automated optical inspection.
- Knowledge and application of IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-620 standards; trainer certification is high