Principal/Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 2 or 3)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA)
• Develop and maintain MRL roadmaps and improvement plans
• Coordinate multi-functional assessment teams and drive closure of identified gaps
• Define, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems
• Support production readiness reviews (PRR), Manufacturing Process Reviews (MPR), and related gated reviews
• Integrate manufacturing systems with enterprise tools
• Analyze process data and performance metrics
• Work with suppliers to assess and improve their manufacturing readiness
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams
• Provide clear technical input to make/buy decisions, source selection, and risk-based supplier management
• Lead and participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, customer, and industry standards

Basic Qualifications

• For Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 2 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree
• For Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• Prior experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or high-reliability aerospace systems
• Experience with PLM/MES/ERP systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill, SAP, Solumina, etc.)
• Knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards
• Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above)
• Experience conducting manufacturing readiness assessments at suppliers and integrating findings into supply chain strategy
• Strong data analysis skills; experience using statistical methods to evaluate process capability and readiness