Manufacturing Engineer - Sheet Metal

Position Summary

The Sheet Metal Manufacturing Engineer supports the successful production of precision aerospace sheet metal components and assemblies by developing manufacturing processes, improving production methods, creating manufacturing documentation, and providing hands-on technical support to the shop floor. This role serves as a key connection between engineering, manufacturing, quality, planning, and customers to ensure products are manufacturable, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on schedule. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who understands sheet metal fabrication and forming processes and enjoys working closely with production teams in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, models, bills of material, and customer requirements to determine the most effective manufacturing approach.
• Develop manufacturing routings, work instructions, travelers, setup documentation, and other production documentation.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability, assembly, cost, quality, and production efficiency.
• Partner with design engineering to identify opportunities to simplify fabrication, improve manufacturability, and reduce production risk.
• Support fabrication processes including cutting, punching, forming, bending, drilling, deburring, riveting, fastening, and assembly.
• Develop and improve processes for both prototype and production work.
• Establish standard methods and best practices that improve repeatability and process consistency.
• Translate engineering requirements into clear, practical manufacturing instructions for production personnel.
• Review drawings and 3D models for manufacturing requirements, tolerances, dimensions, material specifications, and special processes.
• Develop and maintain bills of material, routings, process specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Create and maintain visual work instructions and other production aids that improve operator accuracy and efficiency.
• Support Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), drawing revisions, process changes, and configuration updates.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation and ensure changes are incorporated into production processes in a timely manner.
• Work with Planning and Operations to ensure manufacturing documentation supports production schedules and customer requirements.
• Assist with the design and development of jigs, fixtures, templates, tooling, and other manufacturing aids.
• Identify opportunities to improve tooling and equipment to increase production efficiency, repeatability, and quality.
• Support the introduction of new equipment, processes, and manufacturing technologies.
• Troubleshoot tooling, equipment, and process issues and develop practical corrective solutions.
• Work with outside suppliers and internal personnel when specialized tooling or equipment is required.
• Partner with Quality to investigate nonconformances, customer complaints, and manufacturing issues.
• Support Corrective Action Requests (CARs), root-cause investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Analyze production data and process performance to identify recurring issues and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and documentation comply with applicable customer, company, and aerospace requirements.
• Support AS9100 quality system requirements and maintain appropriate manufacturing records.
• Participate in first article, inspection, qualification, and process validation activities as required.
• Help ensure manufacturing processes consistently produce parts that meet engineering and customer requirements.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Apply Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles where appropriate.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods and recommend alternate processes, materials, tooling, or equipment when they provide measurable benefits.
• Work directly with production personnel to identify process improvements and eliminate unnecessary steps, variation, and rework.
• Use data and shop-floor observations to improve process capability and production flow.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations to resolve production issues.
• Provide technical support to production personnel and assist with difficult or complex manufacturing problems.
• Interface with customer and supplier engineering personnel as needed.
• Support estimating and quoting activities by evaluating manufacturing requirements, processes, labor, tooling, and technical risks.
• Coordinate engineering and manufacturing projects from initial planning through implementation.
• Provide technical input for new product introductions and production transfers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent relevant technical experience may be considered.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles and production processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and 3D CAD models.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively with both engineering and shop-floor personnel.

Preferred

• Previous aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication and forming processes.
• Experience with CNC punching, laser cutting, press brake forming, drilling, riveting, and related fabrication processes.
• Experience with tooling, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids.
• Experience with GD&T and aerospace drawing requirements.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar CAD systems.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SYSPRO or similar platforms.
• Experience with AS9100 or other aerospace quality systems.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a combination of engineering/office and aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Regular interaction with production personnel and equipment on the manufacturing floor is expected.
• Ability to stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility as needed.
• Ability to safely navigate a manufacturing environment and observe production processes.
• Ability to occasionally handle tools, samples, fixtures, and manufacturing materials.
• Occasional travel may be required to support customers, suppliers, installations, or other business needs.