Senior Process Engineering Manager

The Process Engineering Manager is a hands‑on technical and leadership role responsible for driving manufacturing excellence in a low‑volume, high‑mix aerospace job shop environment. This role leads process engineering, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement activities supporting complex machined components for DoD, DLA, and prime aerospace customers.

This position requires a seasoned aerospace manufacturing leader with 10+ years of experience, including significant time in a machine shop setting, strong government contract knowledge, and the ability to translate engineering intent into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes.

• Lead and manage the Process Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering team supporting precision machining operations.
• Own the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for complex aerospace components.
• Serve as the technical authority for machining process design, routing development, work instructions, tooling strategies, and capacity planning.
• Drive first‑article success, process capability, and defect reduction using AS9100, APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and SPC where appropriate.
• Partner with Quality, Operations, and Program Management to ensure on‑time, compliant delivery to DoD, DLA, and prime customers.
• Ensure full compliance with government contract requirements, including:
  • TINA / Truth in Negotiations Act cost and pricing data support
  • DFARS FAR and ITAR flow‑down requirements
  • DLA audit and surveillance support
• Lead cost reduction, cycle time reduction, and yield improvement initiatives in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment.
• Support quoting and estimating with manufacturing input, process plans, and cost models.
• Provide hands‑on technical mentorship to engineers, supervisors, and machinists.
• Champion standard work, visual management, and lean manufacturing practices without compromising quality or compliance.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for process escapes and systemic issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing engineering or process engineering.
• 5+ years of direct machine shop experience in precision machining (CNC milling, turning, multi‑axis machining).
• Proven experience in
  low-volume, high‑mix job shop
  environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting
  DoD, DLA, and government contracts
  .
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • TINA / Certified Cost or Pricing Data
  • FAR / DFARS requirements
  • AS9100 quality system requirements
• Deep technical understanding of:
  • Machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and work holding
  • GD&T and complex blueprint interpretation
  • Process capability and first article inspection (FAI / AS9102)

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems in a job shop environment.
• Prior leadership of engineering teams in regulated aerospace manufacturing.
• Hands‑on, shop‑floor oriented technical leader.
• High integrity and strong understanding of ethical obligations under government contracting.
• Able to balance engineering rigor with the realities of low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing.
• Strong communicator capable of working with machinists, engineers, quality, and executives.
• Data‑driven decision maker with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Improved first‑pass yield and reduced rework/scrap.
• Strong audit performance with DLA and prime customers.
• Robust, repeatable manufacturing processes for complex parts.
• A technically strong, engaged process engineering team.
• On‑time delivery with high quality in a challenging job shop environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job responsibilities demand exposure to the production floor where company lifting limits and safety rules will be enforced. Employee must be able to work 8‑10‑hour shifts as an essential requirement of the position. (Employee must pass yearly eye examination to qualify for this position).

Employee Acknowledgement:
The employee signature acknowledges a review of the job description by the employee. ETI Starwin is a drug‑free/smoke free environment

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

• Aerospace Engineering: 5 years (Required)
• Leadership: 3 years (Required)

• Kettering, OH 45429:
  Relocate before starting work (Required)