Manufacturing Engineering Technician

The Manufacturing Engineering Technician will play a critical role in supporting our manufacturing operations across machining, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly. The ME Tech will focus on documenting processes, assisting in the resolution of technical issues, and collaborating with internal teams and our aerospace customers on quality and technical matters. This is a hands-on, technical role that bridges engineering, production, quality, and customer interface.

This role is identified as requiring ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance; therefore, qualified candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person (per EAR Part 772 and ITAR 120.15):

• An individual who is granted U.S. citizenship, or
• An individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence (i.e., a "Green Card" holder), or
• An individual who is granted status as a "protected person"

 Essential Functions 

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes and work instructions to improve repeatability, reduce cycle times, and minimize cost.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, and specifications to develop accurate build processes.
• Collaborate with machining, fabrication, and assembly teams — including programming, setup, and operator training — to ensure processes are robust and capable.
• Support first article builds and collaborates with engineering to resolve manufacturability issues.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through process improvement, material usage optimization, scrap/rework reduction, and efficient tooling design.
• Lead root-cause investigations for manufacturing quality issues (yield losses, scrap, rework, non-conformances) in machining, sheet-metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Work directly with aerospace customers (internal or external) on quality and technical issues: respond to customer Q & NCRs, support customer audits and reviews, lead corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs), ensure customer requirements and specifications are met.
• Participate in continuous improvement programs (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma) and lead small projects to improve process flow, reduce waste, and enhance safety and ergonomics.
• Document and maintain process flows, engineering change notices (ECNs), control plans, FMEAs, inspection plans, and ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards (such as AS9100).
• May design and specify production tooling, fixtures, inspection jigs, and gauges to support manufacturing and quality control.
• May utilize CAD systems (e.g., CATIA or equivalent) to model tooling, fixtures, process layouts, and assist engineering in part design for manufacturability (DFM).

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, machining, sheet metal fabrication, or mechanical assembly.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Teams/SharePoint is helpful.
• Experience with an ERP/MRP system (Infor Visual, JobBOSS, Epicor, or similar preferred).
• Solid understanding of machining/fabrication processes (milling, grinding, bending, forming, rivet/fasten, assembly) and ability to troubleshoot and optimize those processes.
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials, specifications, and industry standards (AS9100).
• Strong experience with quality and manufacturing improvement methodologies — root-cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5-Why), lean manufacturing, etc.
• Strong communication skills — able to interface effectively with internal teams (production, quality, engineering) and external customers (quality engineers, technical delegates).
• Ability to work independently, manage small projects, prioritize tasks and deliver improvements in a production environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing Technology, Drafting/Design, or similar field.
• Hands-on experience with CAD/CAM tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, Mastercam, Vericut, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to design production tooling, fixtures, inspection jigs/gauges.
• Certification in Lean / Six Sigma (Green Belt or above).
• Experience working with statistical process control (SPC), MSA (Measurement System Analysis), GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Experience in customer-facing quality roles (NCR resolution, customer audits, supplier quality interface).

Skills and Attributes

• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Comfort working in a dynamic production environment and driving change.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented, yet able to see the “big picture” of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Proactive, self-starter who is motivated to improve processes and outcomes.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, work instructions, and technical specifications and other written materials including customer contracts, purchase orders, and terms and conditions
• Professional oral and written communication skills (English)
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Teams/SharePoint is preferred
• Experience using an ERP system; lnfor Visual experience preferred
• Experience using drafting software; Catia VS and/or Vericut experience is preferred
• Familiarity with aerospace materials and specifications and machining practices is preferred
• Understanding of processing/metal finishing requirements and specifications is preferred
• Familiarity with AS9100 requirements is preferred 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer

• Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, including all buildings and the manufacturing areas 

• Regularly lift, carry (short-distances), and push/pull up to 25 pounds  

• Occasionally climb steps, stairs, or ladders  

• Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel  

• Constantly communicate verbally and in writing (English) using a phone, texts or other messaging, and email 

• Use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboards, mouse, or other peripherals

• Occasional travel may be required to customer sites or suppliers 

Working Conditions  

Work is performed in a combination of locations including offices and the manufacturing shop environment where working conditions vary significantly; the employee will be exposed to: 

• Excessive noise (occasionally) 

• Dust, smoke, fumes/vapors (occasionally)  

• Extreme temperatures (occasionally)  

• Hazardous equipment including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, complex machining centers and other equipment used in a machine shop environment (occasionally)