Manufacturing Engineering Manager
About the role
Rock West Composites designs and manufactures advanced composite solutions for demanding aerospace, defense, space, and commercial applications. As an employee-owned company, we believe our people are our greatest competitive advantage. This onsite position at our West Jordan, UT facility leads manufacturing engineering activities supporting advanced composite production, overseeing development, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing processes while ensuring engineering support, product quality, and operational performance meet business and customer requirements.
The Manager of Manufacturing Engineering leads the planning, development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing methods, including new product introductions, product validation, qualification, and ongoing production support. This role manages the Manufacturing Engineering team, establishes priorities, and partners with Operations, Program Management, Quality, customers, and suppliers to resolve technical challenges, improve manufacturing performance, and support business objectives.
Responsibilities
What You'll Own
- Manufacturing Engineering team leadership and development
- Manufacturing processes, documentation, and production support
- New product introduction, validation, and qualification
- Engineering workload, priorities, and performance metrics
- Cross-functional technical problem-solving and process improvement
- Manufacturing quality, safety, and compliance
Essential Functions
Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development- Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing methods supporting new product introductions, product validation, qualification, and production operations.
- Oversee engineering documentation, including EBOMs, MBOMs, work instructions, travelers, process specifications, and material selection.
- Resolve complex manufacturing and technical challenges, applying new technologies, processes, and engineering solutions to improve production performance.
- Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend improvements to processes, capabilities, and operational efficiency.
- Provide manufacturing engineering leadership and technical support to Operations, Program Management, Quality, customers, and suppliers to ensure product integrity and delivery requirements.
- Lead production planning activities, including staffing requirements, manufacturing time estimates, and cost analysis to support operational decisions.
- Communicate technical developments, risks, and issues affecting cost, schedule, profitability, customer requirements, and cross-functional operations.
- Support bids and proposals by providing manufacturing engineering input, technical assessments, and production estimates.
- Manage engineering workloads, delegate assignments, establish priorities, and track performance metrics to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
- Lead, coach, and develop Manufacturing Engineering employees through training, performance evaluations, feedback, and professional development.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to develop and implement employee training aligned with company standards and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with company quality and safety requirements, including AS9100, established manufacturing procedures, and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention practices.
Requirements
Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Structural, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent education and experience considered. Master's degree preferred.
- 15+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, including leadership of engineering teams, preferably within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in aerospace composite structures manufacturing, including detail parts, assemblies, and hands-on fabrication.
- Experience supporting new product introductions, manufacturing process development, product qualification, and production operations.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, including composites, metal bonding, metallic forming, machining, and composite product qualification.
- Experience with engineering documentation, GD&T, blueprint interpretation, CAD models, and CAD/CAM software, preferably SolidWorks.
- Familiarity with AS9100, prime contractor specifications, thermal profiles, first-part qualifications, and contact/noncontact inspection methods.
- Experience with data acquisition systems for temperature, position, and pressure, along with ERP/MRP systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook.
Professional Skills
- Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills with the ability to manage engineering priorities and team performance.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills across technical teams, customers, and management.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple programs and changing priorities.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 (based on experience and skillset)
- 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental
- Annual Bonus Program
- 401(k) with 5% Match
- Employee Stock Option Program
- Paid Holidays + Generous PTO
- $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement
Schedule
9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
Compliance Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, or asylee. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without company immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship or seek export authorization for this role. This position requires meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.