Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

Airbus Helicopters is seeking a hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of advanced manufacturing processes for mechanical, electrical, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The position reports directly to the Chief Engineer and is 100 % on‑site, working on the production floor to optimize tool and workstation design and manage process configurations. The role supports the Flexrotor Program, a sophisticated small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) with VTOL capability used by U.S. and allied forces for ISTAR missions. The workplace is located in Bingen, WA, in the Columbia River Gorge.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Process Development and Analysis (≈ 80 %)
  • Develop manufacturing processes, procedures, and workflows for assembly of mechanical and electrical aerospace products.
  • Identify, track, and resolve risks and issues affecting process quality, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Create, release, version‑control, and maintain manufacturing work instructions.
  • Implement 5S principles in the design of process tool sets, part kits, and workstations.
  • Maintain M‑BOM, configuration control, and compliance with engineering design.
  • Design tools, fixtures, jigs, and workspaces for efficient, accurate, repeatable assembly and test.
  • Define in‑process quality inspection steps required to meet assembly requirements.
  • Conceptualize, design, develop, and fabricate static and dynamic test equipment for verification of critical features.
  • Participate in design reviews, providing input for design‑for‑manufacturability.
  • Train manufacturing staff on new procedures.
  • Provide production, labor, and material cost calculations; review schedules; estimate future requirements; support new production and MRO.
• Manufacturing Process Improvement (≈ 10 %)
  • Evaluate existing processes and prioritize improvements to quality, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Apply knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials; collaborate with equipment vendors and operators.
  • Prepare product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.
  • Improve traceability of as‑built product at all levels of child parts.
  • Continuously apply 5S methodologies to enhance processes.
• Project Management (≈ 10 %)
  • Ensure timely implementation of process improvements and general projects.
  • Act as Project Manager for special projects as assigned, managing budgets, timelines, facilitation, and change management.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience (minimum 4 years).
• Five or more years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience writing manufacturing work instructions and designing/developing manufacturing processes.
• Ability to author and structure work instructions, define BOMs, workflows, and tool/part control.
• Knowledge of jig and fixture design, process inspection, traceability, and manufacturing ergonomics.
• Strong technical writing skills for reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Experience with UAS composite structures (secondary and primary) or related composite work in automotive/boating.
• Familiarity with 3D‑printing processes such as FDM or SLS.
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and Microsoft Office.
• US Person status under ITAR (U.S. citizen, green‑card holder, or authorized under existing ITAR license).
• Travel requirement: approximately 5 % domestic and international.
• Physical ability to work on‑site (≈ 95 % in Bingen, WA) and meet the listed vision, hearing, speaking, lifting (up to 30 lb/14 kg), standing, walking, squatting/kneeling, and PPE requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and incentive compensation (including profit‑sharing schemes).
• Retirement savings plan with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, disability, and Employee Assistance Program coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and a generous paid parental leave program.
• Tuition assistance.
• Performance‑based bonuses.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Pay

Salary range based on profile: $97,000 – $155,000 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic differential, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.