Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Manufacturing Engineering Manager — Aerospace Manufacturing

Location: Milford, CT

Job Type :
Full-Time | Direct Hire

Salary: $145,000–$155,000 per year

Work Arrangement:Onsite

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead manufacturing engineering operations for a build-to-print aerospace manufacturer specializing in precision machining and electro-mechanical assembly.

This leadership role combines hands-on technical expertise, team management, process development, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CNC machining, manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, and aerospace or precision manufacturing, with proven experience leading engineering teams and supporting production operations.

Important: A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field is required. Candidates who do not meet this education requirement will not be considered.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, setting priorities and performance expectations.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to CNC machining and assembly operations.
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for precision aerospace components and assemblies.
• Review engineering drawings, 3D models, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications to determine manufacturing methods.
• Develop manufacturing routings, work instructions, setup documentation, tooling requirements, and production processes.
• Support CNC machining through tooling and fixturing improvements, setup optimization, and cycle‑time reduction.
• Improve mechanical and electro‑mechanical assembly processes, work sequencing, and error‑proofing.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI), prototype builds, First Article activities, and production launches.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, root‑cause analysis, scrap reduction, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to resolve production challenges.
• Support nonconformance investigations, corrective actions, and compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing routings, labor standards, work centers, and process data in ERP/MRP systems.
• Evaluate automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, tooling improvements, and capital equipment opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field — mandatory.
• 7 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3 years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with CNC machining and/or complex mechanical or electro‑mechanical assembly.
• Experience in a build‑to‑print manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixturing.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing data.
• Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, project management, and organizational skills.

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards and customer requirements.
• CNC programming and/or CAM experience.
• Experience with automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with manufacturing estimating, quoting, and labor standards.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and related manufacturing planning tools.

• Competitive annual salary of $145,000–$155,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a manufacturing engineering team.
• Professional growth within a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Benefits package offered by the employer.