Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Sky Limit Systems; Granby (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems, a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer in the United States, seeks a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to steer technical teams and optimize manufacturing processes from development through production.

You will own product-line technical ownership, collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Programs, and drive Lean initiatives and DFM across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering or project experience; 10+ years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting aerospace and defense production programs.
• Own the technical aspects of assigned product lines and provide engineering support throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive projects from development through production while managing technical priorities and deliverables.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote Design for Manufacturability throughout product development.
• Support risk assessments, design/data package reviews, design reviews, proposals, and failure investigations.
• Partner with Production to prioritize engineering activities and support manufacturing needs.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions for manufacturing and product issues.
• Drive process improvements including Lean cell conversions, SPC, and SMED initiatives.
• Support customer technical discussions and problem resolution.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching and mentoring.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

SPC

Design for Manufacturability

Technical writing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical/ Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SPC tools

Cost estimation

Job description

Join a growing aerospace and defense manufacturing organization as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, where you'll combine technical expertise, team leadership, and continuous improvement to support complex manufacturing programs. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys leading technical teams, improving manufacturing processes, and helping drive projects from development through production.

In this role, you'll lead a team of engineers supporting manufacturing operations and serve as the technical owner for assigned product lines. You'll work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Program teams to improve processes, resolve technical challenges, support new product development, and ensure successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting aerospace and defense production programs
• Own the technical aspects of assigned product lines and provide engineering support throughout the product lifecycle
• Drive manufacturing projects from development through production while managing technical priorities and deliverables
• Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Promote Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles throughout product development
• Support risk assessments, design and technical data package reviews, design reviews, proposals, and failure investigations
• Partner with Production to prioritize engineering activities and support manufacturing needs
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts to resolve manufacturing and product issues
• Drive process improvements including Lean cell conversions, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and SMED initiatives
• Support customer technical discussions, problem resolution, and other customer-facing activities
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and technical development
• Foster a collaborative, team-based engineering environment focused on quality, productivity, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering or project experience; 10+ years preferred
• Experience leading technical projects or cross-functional engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and structured problem-solving
• Strong project management, technical writing, cost estimating, and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, production, customers, and leadership
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to develop technical talent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Experience with SPC, SMED, Lean cell design, or similar manufacturing improvement initiatives
• Aerospace and defense manufacturing experience
• Experience developing and implementing manufacturing processes for complex mechanical or energetic systems
• Familiarity with ordnance devices, missile systems, launch vehicles, or other mission-critical aerospace hardware
• Experience working with U.S. Department of Defense or ITAR-controlled products

Security Requirements

• Must have or be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Must be eligible to work on U.S. DoD and ITAR-restricted products

Why Join?

• Lead engineering teams supporting advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing programs
• Drive meaningful improvements in manufacturing quality, efficiency, and production performance
• Work on complex, mission-critical products and technologies
• Develop and mentor engineering talent while expanding your leadership experience
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment
• Build your career in an organization focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and national defense