Manufacturing Engineer II

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer IV at Galvion is pivotal in leading and optimizing the production of ballistic helmets and advanced protective systems. This role is essential for improving manufacturing processes for advanced composite materials, ensuring consistent ballistic performance, increasing production efficiency, and maintaining strict quality and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and standardize manufacturing processes for ballistic helmet production (layup, molding/pressing, trimming, finishing, coating)
• Optimize cycle times, material utilization, and yield while maintaining ballistic integrity
• Lead root cause analysis for defects such as delamination, voids, dimensional non-conformance, or coating failures
• Define and control critical process parameters (temperature, pressure, cure time, consolidation)
• Partner with R&D on material selection, qualification, and process transfer
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and transition from prototype to full-rate production
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and work instructions for repeatable manufacturing
• Balance throughput with strict compliance to ballistic performance standards
• Implement SPC and process controls for safety-critical features
• Support ballistic testing, lot acceptance, and failure investigations
• Specify and improve equipment such as presses, ovens, automation equipment, and final assembly lines
• Evaluate automation opportunities in material handling, cutting, painting and finishing operations
• Improve equipment uptime and preventive maintenance strategies
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers in best manufacturing practices
• Contribute to capacity planning, cost reduction strategies, and long-term manufacturing roadmap

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 8–12+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in composites, defense, aerospace, or protective equipment
• Hands-on experience with molding, pressing, or composite fabrication processes
• Strong understanding of process control in safety-critical manufacturing
• Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods
• CAD Experience Preferred
• PLC Logic Understanding
• Deep process ownership mindset in a safety-critical environment
• Ability to balance throughput, cost, and uncompromising quality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability (especially with materials/process interactions)
• Leadership and influence across production teams
• Preferred Experience with ballistic materials (aramids, UHMWPE, hybrid composites)
• Familiarity with defense contracting requirements and documentation
• Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)

Qualifications

Galvion is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.