Manufacturing Engineer

The Lead Avionics Manufacturing Engineer will build and manage a high-performing team responsible for the end-to-end manufacturing of high-reliability avionics hardware, including wire harness build and test, PCBA production, electromechanical assembly, environmental testing, and systems integration. In this role, you define how avionics hardware is built, setting standards, shaping manufacturable designs, and developing robust processes and a strong team to execute at production scale for flight and space applications.

• Build and lead a team of avionics manufacturing engineers, including hiring, setting technical direction, prioritizing work, and fostering a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
• Own the full lifecycle of avionics manufacturing across wire harnessing, PCBA production, and electromechanical assembly, from process development and qualification through new product introduction, production ramp, and long-term sustainment.
• Partner closely with responsible engineers to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFX) feedback, actively participate in design reviews, and influence designs to support high-rate, reliable production.
• Establish team standards for manufacturing process development, validation, work instructions, and documentation that comply with internal quality processes and IPC workmanship standards.
• Own production readiness activities, including capacity planning and delivery scheduling for avionics hardware, and coordinate with production, supply chain, and quality teams to meet vehicle integration milestones.
• Investigate and root cause production failures and non-conformances, drive corrective actions to closure through the MRB process, and support vehicle-level failure investigations as required.
• Use MES, PLM, and production data platforms to manage manufacturing bills of materials (mBOMs), track production performance, and ensure accurate configuration control of flight hardware.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements that enhance manufacturability, throughput, quality, and reliability of avionics and spaceflight hardware.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and documentation support compliance with applicable IPC standards, including space-specific addenda, and promote best practices across the team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and quality stakeholders to align manufacturing capabilities with program goals and hardware design intent.

• Proven experience building, managing, and developing a team of manufacturing engineers in a production environment.
• Hands‑on experience manufacturing avionics hardware for space applications, including wire harnessing, PCBA production, electromechanical assembly, or vehicle integration.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and process improvement for high‑reliability electronics and aerospace or spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFX) and providing structured feedback to design teams.
• Experience with IPC workmanship standards such as J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620, including space addenda.
• Experience with new product introduction, production ramp, and capacity planning in a flight hardware production environment.
• Proficiency with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, including mBOM management and use of production data platforms.
• Experience working with nonconformance management, MRB (Material Review Board), corrective action, or change management processes for flight hardware.

• Experience supporting environmental testing and systems integration for avionics and spaceflight hardware.
• Familiarity with aerospace and spaceflight manufacturing environments and their quality and reliability expectations.
• Ability to set clear technical standards and develop comprehensive work instructions and documentation for production teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for diagnosing complex production issues and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering, production, supply chain, and quality stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and manufacturability.

This role operates in a flight hardware production environment focused on…