Manufacturing Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Manufacturing Engineer with Security Clearance
Manufacturing Engineer

Location:

Hagerstown, MD (Onsite, 5 days per week)
Contract Length:
Through July 2026 (potential for extension)
Clearance:
Not required
Travel:
None required
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support our growing aerospace prototype program. The team is currently developing three aircraft prototypes for the U.S. Army, with a focus on manufacturing process development, documentation, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on, fast-paced environment ideal for individuals with strong aircraft experience who can collaborate from project conception through implementation.
This position is a contract role due to the current prototype phase and pending long-term program commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and improve process plans, work instructions, and travelers for prototype aircraft builds.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, design, and shop floor teams to ensure manufacturability and production readiness.

• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, including the disposition of non-conformances.

• Support new product introduction and transition to production for prototype and low-rate manufacturing.

• Provide hands-on technical guidance in aircraft modification, sheet metal fabrication, and avionics/wiring integration.

• Interface with external vendors for tooling and component fabrication.

• Utilize CATIA (latest version) and manufacturing systems to support process and tooling design activities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing and assembly processes.
Required Skills & Experience

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry (aviation or related experience required; automotive experience may be considered).

• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering—focus on process development and production support, not design.

• Experience with one of the following:
o Aircraft modification
o Sheet metal fabrication (hands-on experience a plus)
o Avionics or electrical systems (wiring, integration, or electrical engineering exposure)
o CNC programming and machining

• Experience interacting with shop floor personnel throughout the project lifecycle.

• Familiarity with CATIA CAD software for tool and process design.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Education & Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in a related discipline and typically 6+ years of relevant experience.

• Higher education may substitute for equivalent experience.

• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.

• Understanding of parametric design, model-based definition, material and hardware selection, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Exposure to PLM, MES, and MRP systems.

• A&P License or FAA Avionics Technician certification preferred but not required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Clearance (not currently required).
Additional Information

• Team of 8 and expanding due to workload growth.

• Approximately one-month ramp-up period expected.

• Interview process: 1-step phone screen with hiring manager; offer to follow if alignment is strong.