Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Coatings Manufacturing Readiness

GE Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Aerospace is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to advance coatings and surface engineering readiness for Edison Works Advanced Programs. You will champion design for producibility, optimize coating processes, and collaborate with internal shops and suppliers to meet quality, cost, and schedule targets.

Responsibilities include leading manufacturability reviews, developing coating methods and quality plans, and mentoring teammates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Science or related field, or 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years in Manufacturing Engineering or related roles.
• U.S. citizen and eligibility for DoD security clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 15% (as needed).

Responsibilities

• Leads coating process methods, tooling, and production operations.
• Implements Design for Producibility for coated components and assemblies.
• Collaborates with Design Engineering to assess coatability and create coating schedules and quality plans.
• Manages integrated schedules and coordinates with suppliers to control cost and delivery.
• Mentors colleagues and leads small projects with moderate risk.

Skills

Coatings & surface engineering

GD&T

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical/Aerospace/Materials Science

Tools

Coating inspection methods

DFM/Design for Manufacturability

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Coatings Manufacturing Readiness supports the design, sourcing, and production of complex aerospace components and assemblies for Edison Works Advanced Programs. In this role, you will drive design for manufacturing readiness, producibility, reduce manufacturing cost and risk, and ensure our suppliers along with internal GE shops can deliver safely, on quality, on time, and at cost - with a specific focus on coatings and surface engineering technologies.The job allows modification of procedures and practices covering work as long as the end results meet standards of acceptability (quality, volume, timeliness etc.).

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leverages expertise in one or more coatings and surface engineering areas, such as thermal spray (HVOF, plasma, cold spray), electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), diffusion/aluminide coatings, slurry and sol-gel coatings, thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), plating, and other surface treatments.
• Develops coating process methods, masking/tooling and fixtures, programming, and production coating operations. Applies surface engineering techniques that improve hardware producibility and durability at the design phase and process development at the production phase.
• Leads efforts with Design Engineering to implement "Design for Producibility" for coated components, fabrications, tooling, and assemblies. This includes assessing coatability/producibility, evaluating drawings and coating callouts, contributing to MRL projects for new coating hardware/technologies, creating/reviewing coating process schedules and routers, estimating should-costs, estimating lead times, and developing quality plans.
• Assists Edison Works Supply Chain in program reviews to ensure coatings and surface treatment manufacturing considerations are addressed.
• Works closely with Supply Chain functions on hardware production in shops and suppliers - from issuing purchase orders to milestone planning to hardware delivery. Assesses quality, delivery, and cost risks early (including coating adhesion, thickness, and metallurgical quality risks) and provides support on problem solving to attain rate.
• Manages integrated schedules, aligns cross-functional teams, and ensures on-time, at-cost execution of commitments.
• Acts as a key interface with DoD customers, managing contractual obligations and fostering clear communication across stakeholders.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of coatings best practices and integrates with others; maintains working knowledge of industry coating capability to help make decisions on process and supplier.
• Adopts FLIGHT DECK actively in all aspects of work scopes, using Standard Work, Action Planning, and Problem Solving effectively. Uses technical experience, expertise, and data analysis to support recommendations.
• Acts as a resource and mentor for colleagues with less experience. May lead small projects with moderate risks and resource requirements.
• Explains difficult or sensitive information and works to build consensus. Develops persuasion skills required to influence others on topics within field.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (or a high school diploma/GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Science, Chemical, etc.).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or Business Operations.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 15% (as needed).

Desired Characteristics

• Significant aerospace manufacturing experience with coatings and surface engineering, including thermal spray, EB-PVD, diffusion coatings, slurry coatings, and related inspection methods.
• Ability to read and interpret part drawings and coating specifications/callouts. Proficient in GD&T and coating inspection methods (e.g., metallographic evaluation, thickness measurement, adhesion testing).
• Familiarity with Aerospace Quality standards and coating-related specifications.
• Prior experience in special processes, particularly coatings. Certifying agent certification is a big plus.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and as a team.
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn.
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively.
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed.
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative.
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker.

#LI-AW2

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or