Duties and Responsibilities

DigiFlight, Inc. is seeking a Production Engineer supporting the Apache Attack Helicopter Project Management Office (AAH-PMO) based in the Huntsville, AL area. Candidate for this position must be able to work independently, often acting without direct supervision, be self-motivated, and able to build strong relationships across multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and project office personnel with all levels of government employees.

The Apache Sensors Production Engineer is the principal advisor to the PD/DPD pertaining to the sphere of manufacturing and overseeing the production of goods in the Sensors Portfolio. The Production Engineer ensures that all products are manufactured with utmost efficiency and quality, according to planned protocols using the appropriate technology. Additionally, the Production Engineer is the principal advisor to the PD/DPD/Gate Keeper pertaining to centralized technical review and processing of proposals received by the Apache Sensors Office. These duties include:

• Provide production engineering support for aviation components and aviation systems, conduct producibility and manufacturing readiness assessments, and troubleshooting and resolve production related issues.

• Serve as a technical lead and oversight for OEM manufacturing, ensuring quality products are delivered to approved schedules. Interface with the prime contractor, subcontractors, and other Government agencies on all matters pertaining to production.

• Provide technical expertise in the development of contract requirements packages for production and sustainment contracts to include statement of work and CDRLs.

• Conduct periodic on-site production reviews.

• Conduct technical evaluations for OEM and supplier proposals.

• Conduct Production Line Validations/Qualifications/Efficiencies/Verifications.

• Evaluate OEMs through Manufacturing Readiness Assessments/Supplier Assessment Surveys to determine Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL).

• Lead efforts to complete all long-term manufacturing planning, tooling planning, operation instructions, manpower allocations, quality adherence, and configuration control methods that support production.

• Follow up on the execution of manufacturing operations progress to support successful execution of the sensor build plan and provide guidance to the contractor to fix any noted shortcomings. 

• Lead and/or support special team/studies and perform special projects/assignments as assigned. 

• Prepare and deliver briefings and written reports to management, customers, and other higher-level personnel. 

• Assess program cost, schedule, and performance risks related to production/manufacturing, industrial base challenges, and supply chain shortages. 

• Lead a cross-functional team in a Production Readiness Review (PRR) of a supplier’s manufacturing operation. Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for USG evaluation of the Production Operations related threads/elements in a PRR event. 

• Maintain and publish a planning tool (example ASKAT) that identifies current view of milestones for all active Technical Evaluation efforts, PRR, PMR, site visit and related events. 

• Provide system recommendations, findings, and decisions to program PM and senior management in the accomplishment of various Program objectives. 

• Keep PM informed of technical status of assigned tasks, program status, significant program events, controversial issues, program reviews, and other relevant issues. 

• Must be willing and able to travel 25-50%

Minimum Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (Software, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) is required and at least ten (10) years of relevant experience associated with production of technical items related to aviation systems.

• Strong interpersonal skills are a must to facilitate coordination of configuration management, contracts, outside contractors/vendors, engineers, and project/program leadership.

Required Skills

Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.