Reliability and Continuous Improvement Engineer

Reliability and Continuous Improvement Engineer

Palmdale, CA, USA

Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution.

As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Reliability & Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for increasing equipment uptime, improving process capability, reducing variation, and driving waste out of production systems across our customer’s aircraft production facility. This role combines engineering, data analytics, structured problem-solving, and shop-floor engagement to ensure our manufacturing processes perform safely, efficiently, and predictably. The engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EH&S to build a culture of reliability and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.

• Updating and managing the existing Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and training staff to ensure all relevant data is captured accurately.
• Acquiring relevant data from the existing Quality Management System (QMS).
• Analyzing data on a weekly basis (or more frequently when needed) to generate relevant metrics including: OEE, Availability, Performance, Quality, MTBF, MTTR, cycle time, first pass yield, rework.
• Performing Root Cause Analysis on downtime and quality events, revising/updating CMMS logging categories as needed and generating Pareto Charts for all OEE losses and root causes.
• Developing mitigation plans for all root causes which significantly impact OEE
• Submit monthly Continuous Improvement Reports to NGC representatives and review on a quarterly basis (or more frequently if needed).
• Develop and oversee routine audits to ensure compliance with relevant standards
• Document all safety incidents, perform 5Y Root Cause Analysis and report per NGC requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

• This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering – Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical preferred
• 2+ years in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defense, or other advanced manufacturing industries.
• Hands-on experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies (Green Belt preferred).
• Working knowledge of reliability engineering tools (RCA, FMEA, Weibull analysis, PM optimization).
• Experience in machining, fabrication, or complex assemblies preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, SQL a plus).
• Strong communication skills with ability to train and influence across all levels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
• Experience creating and delivering CI training to shop-floor employees.
• Knowledge of TPM, SMED, ergonomic improvements, and shop-floor layout optimization.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital work instructions.
• Professional certifications:
  Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Certified…