Manufacturing Process Engineer

Eleven Recruiting is hiring a Manufacturing Process Engineer III for one of our largest aerospace and defense manufacturing clients specializing in large-part forming and precision CNC machining. The organization provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions supporting next-generation launch vehicles and hypersonic systems, producing flight-critical, axisymmetric components such as engine nozzles, nose cones, propellant tanks, and precision machined and formed Isogrid and Orthogrid skin panels.

The manufacturing environment is highly engineered, tightly controlled, and production-driven, with a strong focus on repeatability, qualification, and scalability across critical forming operations.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer for Spin Forming will lead the definition and technical execution of spin forming–related manufacturing initiatives, encompassing metal forming, machining, assembly, and analytical testing. This role is responsible for owning the manufacturing process end to end, from early concept and process definition through production execution and optimization.

The engineer will define production equipment, tooling, mandrels, systems, materials, and thermal forming strategies to establish efficient, repeatable, and lean manufacturing processes supporting complex aerospace hardware. In parallel, this role plays a foundational part in building and scaling a centralized engineering function around hot spin forming operations, enabling reliable, high-rate production of flight-critical components. Post-launch, the engineer will drive process improvement and production optimization using Lean and data-driven methodologies.

• Provide technical ownership and project leadership for the definition, development, and execution of spin forming and hot forming processes, including tooling and mandrel design, thermal-driven fabrication strategies, and full process implementation supporting large aerospace components.
• Establish robust, repeatable manufacturing processes that integrate forming mechanics, localized heating, material flow control, and post-form requirements.
• Lead the transition from low-rate or developmental forming to stable, scalable production, with a focus on cycle time, yield, and process consistency.
• Define tooling and mandrel requirements, oversee design and validation, and manage tooling lifecycle and performance.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing plans, work instructions, control plans, and PFMEAs aligned with aerospace quality requirements.
• Partner with Operations to support daily production, troubleshoot forming and thermal issues, and drive real-time problem resolution on the shop floor.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to influence part design for manufacturability and forming feasibility.
• Support process qualification activities, including wall-thickness verification, dimensional validation, and coordination with inspection and NDT functions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, scrap reduction, first-pass yield, and process capability.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and technical documentation to support the growth of a centralized spin forming engineering team.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to operators, technicians, and junior engineers as the department scales.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related Engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering or process engineering role.
• Experience supporting metal forming, heavy manufacturing, or thermally influenced production processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing documentation, process control, and shop‑floor execution.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading and GD&T.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to spin forming, shear forming, hot forming, or similar deformation-based processes.
• Background in thermal process control, heat‑assisted manufacturing, or high‑temperature materials.
• Experience scaling specialized processes into higher‑rate production.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience (certification a plus).