Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Lead

CMI Group; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CMI Group seeks an Engineering Manager to lead the manufacturing engineering function in a high-precision aerospace machine shop. You will develop, optimize, and sustain robust processes, driving continuous improvement and ensuring AS9100 compliance while supporting production of complex components.

The role requires deep CNC knowledge, actionable leadership, and collaboration across engineering, quality, and production to meet stringent quality, delivery, and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in precision machining / aerospace engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead/management role.
• Deep hands-on knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, G-code/CAM programming, and fixture design.
• Experience in build-to-print aerospace environments with tight tolerances and complex geometries.
• Ability to read complex aerospace drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and material specifications.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace customer quality requirements.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement delivering quality, cost, or delivery gains.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing engineering team (CNC programmers, process engineers, tooling engineers, and manufacturing engineers).
• Own end-to-end manufacturing process for new and existing build-to-print parts: process planning, routing development, CNC programming, fixture and tooling design, and first-article validation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Program Management to ensure manufacturability, first-pass yield targets, and quick issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement focusing on cycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, setup reduction (SMED), and OEE using lean and Six Sigma.
• Establish standardized work, process control plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions supporting AS9100 and customer quality requirements.
• Evaluate and implement new machining technologies, cutting tools, fixturing, and metrology methods.
• Support quoting/estimating with accurate process plans and cycle times.
• Manage capital equipment recommendations, justification, and implementation.
• Partner with Quality Engineering on root-cause analysis and process capability improvements.
• Ensure processes meet all customer drawings, certifications, and inspection criteria.

Skills

CNC machining

G-code CAM programming

Leadership

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Manufacturing execution systems

Fixture design tools

Job description

CMI Group seeks an Engineering Manager to lead the manufacturing engineering function in a high-precision aerospace machine shop. You will develop, optimize, and sustain robust processes, driving continuous improvement and ensuring AS9100 compliance while supporting production of complex components.

The role requires deep CNC knowledge, actionable leadership, and collaboration across engineering, quality, and production to meet stringent quality, delivery, and cost targets.