Process Engineer

McFarlane is a rapidly growing 50 years old aviation firm that focuses on the design and manufacture of high-quality aircraft parts within the general aviation and commercial marketplace. We believe in providing better parts with superior “old-school” customer service. When you join the McFarlane team, you’ll join a dedicated group of colleagues passionate about aviation, community, and the McFarlane way.

Position Summary:

The Process Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence within assigned value streams by optimizing manufacturing processes, supporting new product launches, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain to improve throughput, reduce lead time and scrap, and ensure production readiness.

The Process Engineer serves as the technical and process improvement leader for the value stream, owning both current-state performance and future-state process design.

Primary duties, tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on lead time reduction, scrap reduction, productivity, and yield improvement

• Maintain and update value stream maps, takt time models, and future-state process layouts

• Partner with Operations to develop headcount models, staffing plans, and performance metrics boards

• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to assess machine capacity and throughput targets

• Coordinate with Buyers and Planning teams on replenishment plans, scheduling, and sequencing needs

• Support new product implementation and production readiness, including capacity and capability assessments

• Partner with Design Engineering and Quality on tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and First Article Acceptance Testing (FAAT)

• Develop, document, and maintain standardized work instructions and process documentation

• Own PFMEA development and maintenance to identify risk and drive preventive improvements

• Monitor daily performance metrics including SQDCM measures, with primary ownership of lead time and scrap

• Participate in daily tier meetings and respond to process issues in real time

• Lead cross-functional project reviews and manage the value stream improvement project portfolio

• Ensure processes meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards in partnership with HSE and Quality

• Identify and codify best practices and tacit process knowledge across teams

• Deliver measurable annual cost savings and operational improvements through lean initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent experience

• 3 years of process engineering or manufacturing engineering experience preferred

• Strong lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge required

• Experience in value stream mapping, root cause analysis, PFMEA, and process control

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience in manufacturing ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive change across teams

• Machine shop or aerospace manufacturing experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. This position is primarily office-based with regular shop floor interaction and occasional site visits. Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and frequent computer use.

Why McFarlane Aviation?

McFarlane has a strong culture anchored by our legacy and values, creating an environment of teamwork, excellence, and continuous improvement. Employees and their families enjoy outstanding benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and many additional perks.

McFarlane is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace.