Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing aerospace manufacturing team in Wichita, Kansas. This role is designed for a hands-on engineer who can immediately contribute to new product introductions, manufacturing process development, and shop floor execution. The ideal candidate will bring deep aerospace manufacturing expertise, strong technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead complex projects from engineering release through production.

This position requires an individual who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, collaborates effectively across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams, and can quickly develop robust manufacturing solutions that meet customer quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

• Review customer drawings, models, specifications, and requirements to develop manufacturing plans and production strategies.
• Lead manufacturing engineering efforts for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring products transition efficiently from design to production.
• Develop and maintain routers, process plans, manufacturing work instructions, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Create visual work instructions and manufacturing documentation to support production.
• Utilize CATIA V5 and/or other industry-standard CAD systems to evaluate designs and develop manufacturing methods.
• Provide daily technical support to production personnel and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges on the shop floor.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing non-conformances, corrective actions, and process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with customers, design engineers, quality teams, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturability.
• Evaluate tooling, fixturing, equipment, and manufacturing processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Support quoting activities by reviewing technical requirements, manufacturing methods, labor estimates, and material requirements.
• Analyze production metrics and engineering data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline is required.

• Minimum of 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success supporting new product introductions and transitioning designs into production.
• Strong experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, routings, and production documentation.
• Experience supporting fabrication, machining, precision sheet metal, assembly, bonded structures, or related aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Experience working within AS9100 or similar quality management systems preferred.

• Advanced ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, BOMs, routers, and technical documentation.
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes and production methodologies.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5; experience with other CAD systems may be considered.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing planning software.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, fabrication processes, machining, assembly, and production workflows.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with customers, engineering teams, suppliers, leadership, and manufacturing personnel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound engineering decisions in a production environment.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively with others and work at a computer. The employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout manufacturing areas. Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds may be required. Reasonable…