Engineering Manager

Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets:
Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5

ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.

Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity employer.

Applied Aerospace & Defense, formerly PCX, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Engineering Manager to lead our engineering organization in a demanding aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an engineering leader with a strong background in traditional machining, aerospace manufacturing processes, and manufacturing engineering who enjoys solving complex problems and developing people.

The Engineering Manager will provide technical leadership across engineering and manufacturing, working closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to improve manufacturing performance, resolve technical challenges, and support the successful launch and production of aerospace components.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with practical manufacturing experience and the ability to coach, mentor, and develop the next generation of engineering talent.

• Engineering & Manufacturing Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing and process engineers.
• Provide technical direction and support for complex manufacturing challenges.
• Apply strong knowledge of traditional machining processes, including CNC machining, turning, milling, grinding, drilling, and related operations.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for aerospace components and assemblies.
• Partner with machinists, manufacturing personnel, and production leadership to identify and resolve issues on the shop floor.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), process development, and production launches.
• Review and improve manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, work holding, and process documentation.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues.
• Ensure engineering processes and documentation meet applicable aerospace, customer, and company requirements.

• Serve as a primary technical resource for complex manufacturing problems.
• Lead structured root-cause investigations using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, cycle time, and manufacturing costs.
• Use data and engineering judgment to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Work directly with production teams to troubleshoot problems and implement corrective actions.
• Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

• Build a strong engineering culture focused on accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
• Coach and mentor…