What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manufacturing Engineer position at Skyeton?
Overview
To build highly automated, long-endurance UAV platforms capable of operating in the most demanding environments to support defense, security, infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, and other critical missions.
Company Culture
Skyeton fosters a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and mission execution. Employees are encouraged to take initiative, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute ideas that directly impact product development and operational success. The organization values adaptability, continuous learning, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose in advancing aerospace and defense technology.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
- Translate engineering technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) into detailed manufacturing work instructions for UAV production.
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes focused on production flow optimization, quality, and reduced build time.
- Identify and implement tooling, fixturing, and process improvements to support production scaling.
- Collaborate with design engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of new and existing products.
Documentation & Quality Systems
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation compliant with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities for manufacturing non-conformances.
- Partner closely with Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams to ensure consistent, high-quality product output.
- Maintain configuration control and process documentation accuracy.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with electrical, mechanical, composites, and production teams to support manufacturing operations.
- Support production readiness reviews, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with suppliers and production facilities to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
Leadership & Training
- Assist in interviewing, training, mentoring, and developing junior manufacturing engineers and production personnel.
- Provide technical guidance and support to production technicians and manufacturing teams.
- Support manufacturing scale-up and operational readiness activities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- 8 years of experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or defense industries.
- Experience working in ISO 9001 and/or AS9100-certified manufacturing environments.
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering technical drawings, electrical schematics, cable drawings, mechanical part drawings, and Bills of Materials.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements and troubleshooting activities.
- Must be able to obtain a United States Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) manufacturing.
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs or contracts.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with Altium and/or SolidWorks.
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- Composite manufacturing
- Machining
- Cable and PCB manufacturing
- Mechanical assembly
- J-STD-001 soldering certification preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex Bills of Materials and manufacturing documentation.
- Excellent communication and training skills for hands-on manufacturing processes.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities with engineering and production personnel.
- Effective time management and ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
- Strong organizational and technical documentation skills.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Medical insurance: voluntary health insurance program
- Innovative aerospace and defense technology projects
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- Competitive salary and referral program
Work Environment
- Full-time, in-office position in Fayetteville, NC
- Monday through Friday schedule with core hours of 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Up to 10% domestic and international travel to production facilities and suppliers
- Collaborative manufacturing and engineering environment supporting aerospace production operations
Application Process
Submit resume and cover letter to: m.staub@skyeton.com
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Skyeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.