Finishing Manufacturing Engineer

Precision Castparts Corp.; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Castparts Corp. is seeking a Back-End Manufacturing Engineer to optimize finishing operations across the investment casting value stream.

Responsibilities include overhaul of the MRO department, cycle-time reduction and cost-out opportunities delivering substantial annual savings. The role requires leadership in process capability, data-driven improvements, and collaboration with upstream wax, shell, melt and finishing operations to ensure robust traceability and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA and SPC familiarity.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks) and engineering drawings.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, materials, machining principles and finishing operations.

Responsibilities

• Back-End Process Support & Optimization: provide daily technical support to finishing operations and troubleshoot production issues.
• Lead optimization of cut-off, grind, blend, heat treat, NDT, weld repair, machining and final inspection processes.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, routings and process control plans for all finishing operations.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement cycle-time reduction using Lean, Six Sigma and statistical methods.
• Redesign MRO workflows for rapid disposition, accurate defect classification and traceability.
• Implement defect taxonomies, digital tracking tools and dashboards for real-time visibility.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

DOE

CAD

Engineering drawings

ERP/MES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAM

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Department: Manufacturing Engineering – Back-End Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Back-End Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for optimizing all finishing operations within the investment casting value stream, including cut-off, grind, blend, heat treat, NDT, weld repair, machining, and final inspection. This role provides technical leadership to improve process capability, reduce cost, and enhance throughput. A core responsibility is the complete overhaul and modernization of the Material Review (MRO) department, ensuring rapid defect disposition, accurate classification, and closed-loop corrective action.

The engineer will also develop and execute a cost-out pipeline delivering annualized savings ≥3× the salary of the position, driven by scrap reduction, yield improvement, labor efficiency, and process redesign.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Back-End Process Support & Optimization


• Provide daily technical support to finishing operations, troubleshooting production issues and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and rework.


• Lead optimization of cut-off, grind, blend, heat treat, NDT, weld repair, machining, and final inspection processes.


• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, routings, and process control plans for all finishing operations.


• Identify bottlenecks and implement cycle-time reduction initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis.


• Improve process capability (Cp/Cpk) through data-driven methods and structured experimentation (DOE).


• Redesign MRO workflows to ensure rapid disposition, accurate defect classification, and robust traceability.


• Implement standardized defect taxonomies, digital tracking tools, and automated dashboards for real-time visibility.


• Lead structured root-cause investigations (5-Why, fishbone, 8D) for recurring defects and high-cost scrap drivers.


• Establish closed-loop corrective action processes linking MRO findings to upstream wax, shell, melt, and finishing operations.


• Train MRO personnel on defect recognition, disposition criteria, and escalation protocols.


• Reduce MRO backlog, improve first-pass disposition accuracy, and shorten cycle time for defect review.


• Cost Reduction & Yield Improvement (≥3× Salary Requirement)

Build and execute a validated cost-out pipeline delivering ≥3× salary in annualized savings.

• Identify and quantify cost-out opportunities across scrap reduction, yield improvement, labor efficiency, tooling optimization, and process redesign.


• Conduct detailed cost analyses including direct variable cost (DVC), yield performance, and rework labor burden.


• Lead projects targeting:


• Scrap reduction in finishing and MRO


• Reduction of weld repair and blend/grind rework


• Optimization of NDT throughput and first-pass yield


• Tooling redesign for ergonomics, repeatability, and cycle time


• Automation opportunities in cut-off, grind, and inspection


• Track savings using validated financial models and report monthly progress to leadership.


• Partner with Supply Chain and Design Engineering to ensure cost-effective manufacturability.


• CAD/CAM & Tooling Support


• Create and modify CAD models, drawings, and tooling designs to support finishing operations.


• Translate design specifications into manufacturing instructions and production plans.


• Support CAM programming and toolpath optimization for machining operations.


• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability and minimize downstream finishing burden.


• Quality Assurance & Defect Elimination


• Support development and implementation of quality control plans, inspection procedures, and SPC methods.


• Participate in quality audits, process validations, and root-cause analysis for finishing defects.


• Lead corrective actions that permanently eliminate recurring defects such as shrinkage, cracks, inclusions, and weld repair failures.


• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and aerospace/industrial gas turbine requirements.


• Documentation, Training & Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including SOPs, work instructions, and process control plans.


• Train operators, inspectors, welders, and MRO personnel on new processes, equipment, and quality requirements.


• Collaborate with upstream process owners (wax, shell, melt) to ensure stable inputs to finishing operations.


• Work closely with Quality, Operations, and Maintenance to ensure process stability and equipment reliability.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering , or related field.


• Strong technical aptitude and passion for manufacturing processes and continuous improvement.


• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and familiarity with engineering drawings.


• Experience with manufacturing processes, materials, machining principles, and finishing operations.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, SPC.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

Preferred

• Experience in investment casting , aerospace, or industrial gas turbine manufacturing.


• Experience supporting or managing MRO/MRB processes.


• CAM proficiency and basic CNC programming experience.


• Experience with ERP/MES systems and digital defect tracking tools.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost-Out Savings: ≥3× annual salary delivered and validated.


• Scrap Rate Reduction: Year-over-year reduction in finishing and MRO scrap.


• MRO Throughput: Reduced backlog, improved cycle time, improved first-pass disposition accuracy.


• Yield Improvement: Increased first-pass yield across finishing operations.


• Process Stability: Reduction in repeat defects and rework hours.


• On-Time Delivery: Improved finishing process predictability and throughput.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For informational purposes only, the range of pay for this role is $91300 to $114100 US Dollar (USD) Salaried based on a variety of factors. For informational purposes only, this role is eligible to participate in the Company’s Quarterly Cash Bonus Plan, paid out at the quarterly bonus factor of 2X the Company’s bonus multiple, based on the Company’s performance in the applicable quarter . Employees will receive 80 hours paid time off every year. Employees will also receive 10 paid holidays. Employees (and their families) are eligible to participate in the company's medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

This position requires use of information or access to production processes subject to national security controls under U.S. export control laws and regulations (including, but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). To comply with those regulations, this position may require applicants to be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Company Profile

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability – not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.

Precision Castparts Corp. and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited resumes will become the property of Precision Castparts Corp & its affiliates, and no fee will be paid.

We are constantly searching for the best talent and offer excellent development programs for recent graduates as well as meaningful work experience for those still studying.