Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY 

Our client is a rapidly scaling defense propulsion manufacturer that designs and builds small turbojet engines for some of the U.S. Department of Defense’s most advanced drone, interceptor, and missile programs. As unmanned systems take on a growing share of the modern battlespace, this organization is expanding its manufacturing footprint: standing up automation, co-locating its supply chain, and building the engineering bench that will carry it through the next decade of growth. This is a company still lean enough that individual engineers shape entire production lines, and growing fast enough that early hires are positioned for rapid advancement.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS 

This position sits directly at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and test: the point where an engine drawing becomes flight hardware. You’ll work alongside Design Engineering, Operations, and Quality to close the gap between concept and production, driving the efficiency and throughput improvements that move propulsion systems from the shop floor to the field.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Turbojet Assembly & Production Support 

• Lead detailed project scopes across multiple engine programs, supporting aggressive timelines and increasing production volume
• Develop and qualify assembly work instructions to a consistent standard, with continuous improvement of instructions already in place Track and report on key production metrics, including takt time, cycle time, and yield
• Apply lean manufacturing tools (value stream mapping, structured problem-solving, visual management) to reduce build hours, resolve quality issues, and remove variability from complex processes
• Partner with Technicians and fellow engineers to strengthen training, build shared understanding, and reduce non-conformities

Hands-On Manufacturing Ownership 

• Own manufacturing design scopes end to end, from concept through execution and validation, including tooling and fixture design
• Work directly on the production floor supporting engine assembly, fluid systems flow testing, full engine acceptance testing, and equipment operation and maintenance

Cross-Functional Engineering Impact

• Lead root cause analyses, coordinating findings across Design, Production, and Quality stakeholders
• Collaborate with design engineers to evaluate manufacturability and test requirements, then implement solutions in a fast-evolving production environment
• Partner with Quality on PFMEAs, control plans, inspection, and compliance

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or a related
• Engineering discipline (advanced degree a plus, not required)
• 0 to 5 years of hands-on engineering experience with physical hardware, including internships or co-ops
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and assembly software – Creo experience preferred
• Working knowledge of GD&T in accordance with ASME standards
• Genuine interest in or experience with gas turbine engine technology and the underlying physical sciences: thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science
• Strong engineering fundamentals in turbomachinery design, operation, and failure modes
• A self-starter’s mindset: comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and driving solutions rather than waiting on direction
• U.S. citizenship required – this role may involve access to systems, tools, or technical data restricted to U.S. citizens under federal regulations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience with gas turbine engines: industrial, aero, or aero-derivative

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• A front-row seat to a defense propulsion program scaling from prototype to volume production
• Direct, hands-on ownership of hardware that supports national security missions
• A collaborative engineering culture built on trust, free thought, and problem-solving rather than bureaucracy
• Real career runway: as the organization grows, so does the opportunity to grow with it
• Exposure across the full product lifecycle, from design through test and acceptance

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Less than 15% travel, primarily for customer and supplier site visits
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career advancement