The Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and management of manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient production, quality improvement, and cost reduction. This role involves overseeing engineering teams, managing complex projects, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing operations. They are a key Integrated Operations leadership team member responsible for bringing forth a vision for manufacturing operations which includes action to reduce cost, increase speed and eliminate scrap & rework.
Essential Functions
• Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers, providing direction, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation within the engineering team.
• Set departmental goals and objectives in alignment with organizational priorities and track performance against key metrics
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Drive process improvements to enhance production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, quality, design) to optimize manufacturing processes and troubleshoot any issues.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, automation, and advanced manufacturing techniques to improve processes.
• Lead and manage complex manufacturing projects, from concept through implementation.
• Interact with and lead the manufacturing engineering functions with the enterprise resource management system.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment on project objectives, resources, and deliverables.
• Identify and implement initiatives to reduce manufacturing costs, including waste reduction, cycle time improvement, and resource optimization.
• Develop strategies for lean manufacturing and ensure that best practices are implemented across operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production efficiency, downtime, and defect rates, and drive actions to improve performance.
• Ensure that all manufacturing processes comply with regulatory and industry standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain and improve product quality standards.
• Lead efforts to address and resolve manufacturing quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions as needed.
• Oversee the selection, installation, and maintenance of capital equipment, ensuring that machinery and tools meet production requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to ensure the timely acquisition of necessary materials and resources.
• Provide engineering redlines to correct design drawings or to improve technical drawing package detail.
• Develop long-term resource plans and budgets to support manufacturing growth and capacity expansion.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the manufacturing environment.
• Promote a culture of safety and implement initiatives to reduce workplace incidents and hazards.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the companys policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
Qualifications and Competencies
• Knowledge of build to print contract manufacturing and translating customer requirements to production.
• Proven ability to lead a team of industrial and mechanical engineers in all aspects of manufacturing from material receipt through shipping.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and tools.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proven track record of driving process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software, CAD/CAM, and ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Altium and/or Microsoft Visio a plus but not required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of diagnosing and resolving complex technical and operational issues.
• Ability to develop and execute long-term manufacturing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Able to adjust to changing priorities, technologies, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills to work with different departments (e.g., production, quality, procurement). 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.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
Education / Certifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Experience
• 10+ Industrial manufacturing experience required; Aerospace manufacturing experience preferred
• 5+ years of experience in progressive leadership roles
• Experience with the Toyota Production System, Six Sigma and Lean methodologies a plus.
Physical Requirements
Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment Note:
Security Clearance
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required
About AEVEX Aerospace
AEVEX Aerospace, 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 companys 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX Aerospace 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.
