We are an engineering and manufacturing staffing agency with years of experience recruiting Manufacturing Engineers for aerospace and defense firms. Our client is an industry-leading defense technology company specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of unmanned systems and intelligent robotic technologies. This innovative firm delivers advanced solutions for national defense, security, and intelligence applications.
Recognized globally for its cutting-edge technology and mission-critical products, this organization partners with key defense agencies and primes to deliver highly specialized, autonomous systems and smart platforms that meet rigorous military standards. Their state-of-the-art facilities are AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified and are equipped to support the rapid development, prototyping, and production of next-generation defense technologies.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing, refining, and optimizing manufacturing processes for highly specialized unmanned systems and intelligent robotics. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering, to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production of advanced defense technologies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for complex mechanical and electronic assemblies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground vehicles, and maritime robotic systems.
- Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback during product development to improve manufacturability and reduce production costs.
- Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process documentation for production operations.
- Identify and implement lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives to increase production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
- Conduct process validation, first article inspections (FAI), and production readiness assessments to ensure compliance with AS9100 and defense industry standards.
- Collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing challenges, including yield issues, rework, and non-conformances.
- Specify and procure production tooling, jigs, fixtures, and automated systems required for precision assembly and testing of products.
- Utilize advanced manufacturing simulation and modeling tools to optimize production processes and layouts.
- Support ERP/MRP system integration for production planning, scheduling, and material tracking.
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action investigations related to manufacturing defects or process inefficiencies.
- Provide technical support for supplier development and outsourced manufacturing processes, including audits and process qualification.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
- Master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems, Robotics, or Industrial Engineering is a plus.
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering roles within the aerospace, defense, or robotics industries.
- Strong background in precision manufacturing, mechanical assembly, and electromechanical systems.
- Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping methodologies.
- Experience with complex multi-axis CNC machining, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and advanced composite material processes.
- Proficiency with CAD/CAM and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools, such as:
- SolidWorks
- Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
- CATIA V5
- Autodesk Inventor
- Advanced knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for production scheduling, BOM management, and inventory control.
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and other defense industry quality and compliance standards.
- Strong capability in manufacturing process modeling, simulation, and analysis tools such as:
- Arena Simulation Software
- FlexSim
- Minitab
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with hands-on experience leading root cause analysis (RCA), FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis), and corrective action planning.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced, and highly technical environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Direct experience supporting unmanned systems production or autonomous robotic platforms.
- Familiarity with Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes for metal and polymer components.
- Experience with Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing technologies, including IoT-enabled equipment, predictive analytics, and automated production monitoring systems.
- Experience working with defense contracts, including knowledge of ITAR compliance and government reporting requirements.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or VBA for engineering automation and process optimization.
