Sr Manufacturing Engineer - Metals

Title Sr Manufacturing Engineer - Metals About the Organization 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.

EOE Statement Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. Description

The Sr Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the technical development, oversight and improvement of manufacturing processes within the area of responsibility. This individual will lead process optimization, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional manufacturing initiatives. This role is accountable for achieving senior-level competence Plans and presents engineering program and product design reviews for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements, and related specifications.

Develops and requests design and specification change releases. Assesses and communicates impact of engineering initiatives to functional groups. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced technical depth, measurable impact on production performance, and the ability to mentor mid-level and entry-level engineers while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders. This role is classified as Exempt for FLSA purposes and reports to the Engineering Manager.

Pay Range: $ to $ per year. Final compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, release, and maintain detailed technical work instructions for the manufacture and repair of aerospace metallic structures and assemblies, ensuring full compliance with customer(s) engineering definition and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with CNC Programming group to develop and implement manufacturing plan for complex metallic machined components/assemblies.
• Provide advanced technical support to Quality and Operations teams to achieve site-level Safety, Cost, Quality, and Delivery (SCQD) objectives; act as a primary escalation point for complex manufacturing issues.
• Partner with Purchasing and Sales during the quoting process to define manufacturing approach, assess technical risk, establish labor standards, and ensure cost competitiveness.
• Establish and validate operational standard hours using time studies and process analysis; drive accuracy in routing and capacity planning assumptions.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and model-based definitions to ensure manufacturability; translate design requirements into controlled shop-floor documentation.
• Train and mentor operators and junior engineers on manufacturing methods, process controls, and quality standards; elevate overall technical capability of the team.
• Lead productivity and cost-reduction initiatives through Lean principles, waste elimination, and process optimization; quantify and report measurable performance improvements.
• Develop, validate, and industrialize manufacturing processes for new product introduction (NPI), ensuring processes meet defined capability, repeatability, and quality targets prior to production release.
• Evaluate nonconforming components and determine repair feasibility; develop and validate repair schemes in coordination with Engineering and Quality functions

The individual is required to be a supportive member of Environmental Safety & Health (ESH) and Quality System policies to provide a safe work place and eliminate conditions and behaviors which may cause work related illnesses and/or injuries while delivering quality product and services on time.

Position Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or relevant technical discipline, or HS Diploma/GED w/equivalent composite/aerospace manufacturing/repair experience. 5+ years of technical experience with composites and/or aerospace components production or repair.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated experience creating, structuring, and maintaining complex multi-level Bills of Material (BOMs) for aerospace assemblies, ensuring configuration control and production readiness.
• Proven experience in the developing and implementing machining strategies of large-scale metallic aerospace structures, including fixturing for both…