Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing aerospace manufacturing team in Wichita, Kansas. This role is designed for a hands-on engineer who can immediately contribute to new product introductions, manufacturing process development, and shop floor execution. The ideal candidate will bring deep aerospace manufacturing expertise, strong technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead complex projects from engineering release through production.

This position requires an individual who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, collaborates effectively across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams, and can quickly develop robust manufacturing solutions that meet customer quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Responsibilities

• Review customer drawings, models, specifications, and requirements to develop manufacturing plans and production strategies.
• Lead manufacturing engineering efforts for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring products transition efficiently from design to production.
• Develop and maintain routers, process plans, manufacturing work instructions, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Create visual work instructions and manufacturing documentation to support production.
• Utilize CATIA V5 and/or other industry-standard CAD systems to evaluate designs and develop manufacturing methods.
• Provide daily technical support to production personnel and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges on the shop floor.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing non-conformances, corrective actions, and process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with customers, design engineers, quality teams, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturability.
• Evaluate tooling, fixturing, equipment, and manufacturing processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Support quoting activities by reviewing technical requirements, manufacturing methods, labor estimates, and material requirements.
• Analyze production metrics and engineering data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Education (Required)

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline is required. 

Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success supporting new product introductions and transitioning designs into production.
• Strong experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, routings, and production documentation.
• Experience supporting fabrication, machining, precision sheet metal, assembly, bonded structures, or related aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Experience working within AS9100 or similar quality management systems preferred.

Technical Qualifications

• Advanced ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, BOMs, routers, and technical documentation.
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes and production methodologies.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5; experience with other CAD systems may be considered.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing planning software.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, fabrication processes, machining, assembly, and production workflows.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with customers, engineering teams, suppliers, leadership, and manufacturing personnel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound engineering decisions in a production environment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively with others and work at a computer. The employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout manufacturing areas. Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments.

• Regular exposure to manufacturing operations and production equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other PPE as required.
• Occasional movement of tooling, fixtures, and production hardware.
• Exposure to typical manufacturing noise levels and shop conditions.