Production Engineering Specialist I

About the role

As a Production Engineering Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful production of our UAS/UAV platforms. You will collaborate closely with the production team, engineers, and suppliers to resolve technical issues, optimize manufacturing processes, and improve product quality.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the production team regarding manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and quality control
• Collaborate with engineers to review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing instructions
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues and problems that arise during the production process, and recommend appropriate solutions
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality
• Assist with prototyping and new product development
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for non-conformances and product failures
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve technical issues related to components, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Collaborate with the design engineering team to ensure manufacturability and optimize product designs for production
• Participate in the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technologies
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, such as work instructions, process flowcharts, and quality control plans
• Assist in the selection, qualification, and validation of new suppliers and subcontractors
• Provide training and guidance to production operators on new processes, equipment, and quality standards
• Support the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to conduct audits, inspections, and process validations
• Monitor production processes and perform data analysis to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential risks
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in all manufacturing processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain, to resolve production-related issues and achieve production goals
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of production schedules and resource allocation plans
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in manufacturing and production engineering
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, adhering to all safety protocols and procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered; advanced degree is desirable)
• Proven experience in a production engineering or manufacturing support role, preferably in the UAS/UAV or aerospace industry
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and quality control principles
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience in troubleshooting technical issues and implementing corrective actions in a production environment
• Knowledge of root cause analysis techniques, such as 5 Whys or fishbone diagrams
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in using CAD/CAM software and other engineering tools for process development and optimization
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma or Kaizen
• Experience with quality control tools and methodologies, such as statistical process control (SPC) or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to aerospace manufacturing, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Familiarity with production planning and scheduling tools is a plus
• Experience with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is desirable

Benefits

• Matching RRSP Contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Pay & Schedule

Work location: San Luis Obispo, CA (onsite). Salary range: $24.00 to $26.00 per hour.