Lead Manufacturing Engineer

IT Motives; Bingen (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading avionics solutions provider in Bingen, WA is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the transition from prototype to full-rate production for the AN/APX-128 transponder. The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering, specifically in avionics, and a strong focus on quality assurance. Responsibilities include leading product launches, defining inspection protocols, and collaborating across departments to ensure robust, efficient manufacturing processes. This role combines technical oversight and leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in engineering or testing of avionics equipment.
• Must work well in a team environment.
• Willingness to participate in continuous improvement and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead product launch for AN/APX-128 and ensure compliance with production requirements.
• Define inspection, test and process controls.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines for design changes.

Skills

Circuit board design and debugging

Team collaboration

Solid communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Python programming

Java or other script programming

Education

BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer as we provide certified safety of flight avionics to aerospace companies around the world, and they depend on us to provide high quality products, on time, every time. If this piques your interest, please read on! We value diversity in the workplace and encourage women, minorities, and veterans to apply. Thank you!

Type: Direct Hire

Overview

We develop and deliver advanced transponder and IFF systems for military and civil aircraft as well as advanced collision avoidance solutions. Our products enable secure, reliable airspace integration for crewed and uncrewed platforms worldwide. We’re entering a major growth phase with our first full-rate defense production contract — the AN/APX-128 IFF transponder — and are building a world-class production and test capability to deliver it.

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer will lead our transition from prototype to full-rate defense production for the AN/APX-128. This role owns all aspects of manufacturing process design, test and validation, quality integration, and production readiness for our avionics hardware, including legacy XP and MX production lines and the new AN/APX-128 line.

You’ll build the engineering systems, people, and processes that turn design into a lean process that is repeatable for certified product delivery. This position will be responsible for sustainment engineering of our released products, including leading or participating in continuous improvement activities as well as technical troubleshooting. This is a hands-on leadership role reporting to the Director of Operations with a dotted line to the Chief Technology Officer.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product launch of AN/APX-128 to bring documentation, product maturity, test process and test automation to MRL 10.
• Define inspection, test and process controls and work with Quality Manager to ensure compliance with AS 9100D, FAA and Department of War DCMA production requirements.
• Work with Quality Manager to implement CAR process and prepare for DCMA audit.
• Responsible for First Article Inspection and Production Line Validation.
• Lead ESS Design and process documentation.
• Provide technical support and onsite supplier audit support during the selection and approval of new production suppliers.
• Lead production contract execution for AN/APX-128 to include monthly performance and cost reporting and quality metrics.
• Work with development engineering team on Engineering Change Proposals as necessary to improve manufacturability and maintainability of the AN/APX-128.
• Based on engineering design documents, create technical data packages consisting of work instructions and procedures. Ensure BOMs are accurately translated to the ERP system.
• Identify critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and assist quality team with incorporating into incoming material and production inspection criteria.
• Work with production staff to ensure processes are robust and can be completed efficiently using production tooling. Identify and implement opportunities to improve or upgrade production equipment, tooling and fixtures in support of operational improvement, cost and quality objectives.
• Design, prototype and occasionally fabricate production fixtures and tooling.
• Review engineering design changes and coordinate with different engineering disciplines as necessary to implement those changes in production. Ensure engineering specifications are accurately reflected in production documentation, and that production capability (CPK) enables high quality and repeatable production output.
• Act as primary liaison between the production and engineering departments.
• Approve manufacturing process changes, authorize new, modified, or deviations from processes for producing and calibrating compliant products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Circuit board design and debugging experience.
• 5+ years experience in either engineering or testing of avionics equipment.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Solid written and oral communications skills.
• Proficient with personal computers and Microsoft Office products.
• Python programming, Java or other script programming experience desired