Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Engineer - Launch & Scale

Eleven Recruiting; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Manufacturing Engineer in Huntington Beach, California, to support aerospace and defense initiatives. This role involves developing and implementing manufacturing processes for advanced composite flight hardware. Candidates should have a bachelor's in engineering and over four years experience in composite manufacturing.

Responsibilities include design of tooling and process documentation, while technical skills in CATIA V5 or SolidWorks are essential. Applicants must be U.S. citizens eligible for a Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in composite manufacturing for aerospace or defense programs.
• Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO9001 quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement manufacturing build plans and routers.
• Provide hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot production issues.
• Design tooling, fixtures, and process controls for zero-defect performance.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing initiatives to enhance quality and reduce waste.

Skills

Composite materials expertise

Tooling design proficiency

Autoclave curing

Assembly processes knowledge

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

Job description

Eleven Recruiting is seeking an accomplished Manufacturing Engineer to support one of our leading aerospace and defense partners specializing in advanced composite flight hardware for classified programs. This position plays a critical role in standing up new production lines for high-precision composite flight control surfaces, supporting a long-term contract spanning multiple aircraft platforms.

The Manufacturing Engineer will be directly responsible for developing and implementing end-to-end manufacturing processes—from tooling design and layup development to assembly, bonding, and final inspection. This includes defining production methods, optimizing process flow, and ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous defense, quality, and security standards.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of composite materials, aerospace-grade tooling, autoclave curing, and assembly processes, along with a proven ability to translate engineering design intent into efficient, scalable, and auditable manufacturing practices. This role directly supports programs of national significance and requires a U.S. citizen eligible for a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement manufacturing build plans, travelers, and routers for new composite component builds.
• Provide day-to-day hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot production issues on the shop floor.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and process controls to achieve zero-defect manufacturing performance.
• Conduct producibility and readiness assessments for new or revised parts, ensuring alignment with program and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with design and program engineering teams to ensure manufacturability and efficiency throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain process documentation, standard work, and technical instructions in compliance with AS9100 and customer specifications.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, RCCA, VSM) to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase quality.
• Interface directly with the customer’s onsite engineering and quality teams to support reviews, audits, and program deliverables.
• Support proposal and cost estimating activities by providing manufacturing input on technical approaches, schedules, and resources.
• Participate in facility layout and process flow improvements within the new secure manufacturing area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in composite manufacturing for aerospace or defense programs.
• Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Strong background in laminate layup, curing, bonding, and assembly processes for composite parts.
• Experience developing or modifying travelers, BOMs, routers, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5 or SolidWorks for tooling and fixture design.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement root cause corrective actions.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO9001, and related quality management standards.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for a Secret security clearance (existing clearance preferred).