Director of Manufacturing Engineering

We are seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to oversee manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, digital manufacturing, and new product introduction (NPI).

This role will lead the production of complex components through the first-article acceptance process, work to improve production readiness, reduce NPI lead times, and develop a strong technical team.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to impact manufacturing performance immediately while creating a long-term digital manufacturing strategy for multiple facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering & CNC Programming

• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers, methods engineers, CNC programmers, and supporting technical resources.

• Create production-ready manufacturing processes from customer drawings and specifications.

• Develop machining strategies for aerospace materials and precision components.

• Establish and maintain programming standards and controls.

• Improve CNC verification processes.

• Enhance process capability and efficiency.

New Product Introduction & Production Readiness

• Lead engineering activities from design transfer to production launch.

• Manage NPI milestones and readiness reviews.

• Prioritize projects based on customer commitments and technical risk.

• Coordinate programming, tooling, and fixture development.

• Reduce scrap and rework through simulation and technical reviews.

• Evaluate additive manufacturing applications.

Digital Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Develop a digital manufacturing strategy.

• Implement automation tools for programming and estimating.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing performance.

• Create business cases for technology investments.

Team & Customer Leadership

• Set performance expectations for the engineering team.

• Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Act as a technical leader for customers.

• Manage external technical resources.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related field.

• At least 10 years of experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing.

• Strong expertise in CATIA manufacturing and CAM workflows.

• Experience with NC verification tools.

• Demonstrated experience in NPI and first-article activities.

• Advanced understanding of CNC machining.

• Knowledge of GD&T and AS9100.

• Strong communication and leadership skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Eligibility to access export-controlled technical data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing flight-critical hardware.

• Experience with automated manufacturing workflows.

• Advanced VERICUT configuration experience.

• Knowledge of digital twins and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

• Experience with additive manufacturing.

• Experience in improving manufacturing estimates.

• Experience in establishing engineering standards.