Manufacturing Engineer

Nickerson Talent Solutions; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Nickerson Talent Solutions in Columbus, Mississippi is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to lead process development and production support for advanced defense products, including missile canisters and launchers built for the U.S. Navy.

This role blends shop-floor expertise with office work, requiring experience in machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly, plus Lean/Kaizen and cross-functional collaboration to improve flow and build-out processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred, or an Associate's in Engineering Technology with equivalent experience.
• 7 to 12 years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or defense.
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, and metal fabrication.
• Strong background in process development, BOMs, and work instructions.
• A Lean/Kaizen mindset and a track record of continuous improvement wins.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes and work instructions for build-to-print parts.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) and support production ramp-up.
• Support development of machined components and complex assemblies.
• Create and maintain BOMs, facility layouts, and assembly line layouts.
• Drive Lean and Kaizen initiatives that improve efficiency and quality.
• Work with cross-functional teams to solve production issues and improve flow.
• Serve as a go-to technical resource across fabrication, welding, and machining.

Skills

Process development

NPI

BOMs

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Engineering degree or related

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer | Aerospace & Defense | Direct Hire | Columbus, Mississippi

Want your work to end up in systems that protect the people who serve? We're hiring a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to lead process development and production support for advanced defense products, including missile canisters and launchers built for the U.S. Navy.

This role is for a versatile engineer who is just as comfortable on the shop floor as at the desk, with real experience across machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.

What You'll Do

• Develop processes and work instructions for build-to-print parts
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) and support production ramp-up
• Support development of machined components and complex assemblies
• Create and maintain BOMs, facility layouts, and assembly line layouts
• Drive Lean and Kaizen initiatives that improve efficiency and quality
• Work with cross-functional teams to solve production issues and improve flow
• Serve as a go-to technical resource across fabrication, welding, and machining

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred, or an Associate's in Engineering Technology with equivalent experience
• 7 to 12 years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or defense
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, and metal fabrication
• Strong background in process development, BOMs, and work instructions
• A Lean/Kaizen mindset and a track record of continuous improvement wins

Why This Role

• Direct hire, full-time position with a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer
• Build-out and ramp-up phase, so your processes and layouts will shape how production runs
• Lower cost of living in Columbus, Mississippi, with a strong community and easy access to the Golden Triangle region

Requirements:

This position involves ITAR-controlled work, so candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder).

#ManufacturingEngineer #AerospaceJobs #DefenseJobs #LeanManufacturing #Hiring #MississippiJobs #DirectHire