Director of Manufacturing Engineering

We are searching for Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, digital manufacturing, and new product introduction (NPI).

This hands-on leadership role will guide complex, flight-critical components from customer drawings and models through first-article acceptance and stable production. The successful candidate will improve production readiness, shorten NPI lead times, strengthen programming and verification standards, and develop a high-performing technical team.

The position offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact on manufacturing performance while building a long-term digital manufacturing strategy that can support multiple facilities.

Manufacturing Engineering & CNC Programming

Lead manufacturing engineers, methods engineers, CNC programmers, and supporting technical resources.

Translate customer drawings, CATIA models, specifications, and technical requirements into controlled, production-ready manufacturing processes.

Guide complex milling, turning, mill-turn, and multi-axis machining strategies for aerospace materials and precision components.

Establish and maintain CATIA CAM standards, reusable programming methods, tooling libraries, postprocessor practices, setup documentation, and program release controls.

Strengthen CNC verification using VERICUT or equivalent software, including accurate machine, fixture, stock, tool, and holder models.

Improve cycle times, setups, machine utilization, and process capability while maintaining quality and customer requirements.

New Product Introduction & Production Readiness

Lead engineering activities from design transfer through first-article approval and production launch.

Establish clear NPI milestones, readiness reviews, project ownership, and escalation procedures.

Prioritize projects based on customer commitments, material availability, machine capacity, and technical risk.

Coordinate programming, tooling, fixture development, inspection planning, and operator preparation during material lead times.

Reduce scrap, rework, and proof-out risk through simulation, technical reviews, and documented corrective actions.

Evaluate additive manufacturing applications for fixtures, prototypes, and surrogate parts that support process development and validation.

Digital Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

Develop and execute a multiyear digital manufacturing roadmap connecting engineering models, process plans, CNC programs, verification, inspection, and actual production costs.

Capture machining expertise in controlled standards, libraries, and reusable part-family methods.

Evaluate automation and AI-assisted tools for programming, knowledge management, and manufacturing estimating, with appropriate technical review and approval.

Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Finance, and IT to improve manufacturing performance.

Develop business cases for software, simulation, additive manufacturing, and automation investments.

Support consistent engineering practices and knowledge sharing across facilities.

Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans for the engineering team.

Build a culture of accountability, timely problem-solving, technical discipline, and continuous improvement.

Serve as a customer-facing technical leader for manufacturability, process readiness, validation, corrective action, and recovery planning.

Manage outside technical resources while maintaining internal ownership of standards, approvals, and manufacturing knowledge.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated…