Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position.

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads a team of manufacturing engineers responsible for developing, improving, and sustaining production processes to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives in a manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Design Engineering to drive continuous improvement, support new product introductions, and ensure stable, capable processes on the shop floor.

Essential Functions

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3-6 manufacturing engineers, including goal setting, performance feedback, and career development plans.
• Assign and prioritize engineering work to support daily production, strategic projects, and new product introductions.
• Own process documentation (routers, work instructions, standard work, process parameters, BOM-related manufacturing data) and ensure it is current, accurate, and controlled.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for process-related safety, quality, delivery, and cost issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Partner with Quality/CI on continuous improvement initiatives (lean/6σ, Kaizen, value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, TPM) to improve first pass yield, cycle time, OEE, and cost of poor quality.
• Plan and implement equipment, tooling, and fixturing solutions, including justification, specification, validation, and handoff to production.
• Support manufacturability of new and existing products (DFM/DFX), participating in design reviews and coordinating trials, pilots, and process validation builds.
• Ensure adherence to applicable quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001 / AS9100) and internal procedures in all manufacturing engineering activities.
• Monitor and analyze process performance metrics; use data to prioritize projects and verify benefits (throughput, scrap, rework, labor efficiency, on-time delivery).
• Coordinate layout, material flow, and ergonomics improvements to enhance productivity and worker safety.
• Develop and manage the functional budget for tooling, capital projects, and improvement initiatives as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Suppliers on process capability, component manufacturability, and qualification of new or changed parts.
• Champion a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and employee involvement within the engineering team and on the shop floor.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools; formal Lean or Six Sigma training preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and common manufacturing engineering software (e.g., CAD/CAM, ERP/MES, data analysis tools).
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical staff, manage priorities, and drive cross-functional problem solving.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX's culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX's policies and procedures.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related roles.
• 2-3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, assembly, electronics, composites, or relevant processes to your facility) with measurable results in quality, cost, and delivery.
• Experience in a regulated or audited environment (e.g., aerospace/defense, automotive, medical device) with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar standards preferred.
• Experience implementing or optimizing an MES or digital manufacturing systems preferred.
• Prior responsibility for capital equipment justification and implementation preferred.

Physical Requirements

Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

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