Manufacturing Engineer

Caztek Precision; Minnesota; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Caztek Engineering in Minnesota is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our defense-oriented team. You will collaborate with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, machinists, and fabricators to design, develop, and manufacture aerospace and defense components that meet stringent quality and regulatory standards.

You will optimize processes, review drawings for manufacturability, define work instructions and inspection criteria, and lead DFMA reviews with primes or DoD clients.

Qualifications

• 7–12 years aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Experience interfacing with aerospace primes or direct DoD programs.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes for aerospace and defense projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and CAD models for manufacturability.
• Define process flows, work instructions, and inspection criteria per AS9100/ISO 9001.
• Collaborate with machinists, suppliers, and engineers to optimize and validate processes.
• Lead DF M and DFA reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Support prototypes, first article inspections, and transitions to production.
• Work with primes/DoD clients on compliance and deliverables.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interfacing with aerospace primes orDo

GD&T proficiency

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Lean manufacturing familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks 3D CAD (GD&T)

Job description

Caztek Engineering is an innovative engineering and product development company. We design and manufacture solutions across aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and consumer markets. Our dynamic, project-based environment thrives on tackling high-stakes, technically complex programs that demand precision and creativity.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will collaborate with our team of Industrial Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Machinists, and Fabricators to deliver exceptional aerospace and defense components and systems. This role focuses on developing, optimizing, and validating manufacturing processes that meet stringent quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate has direct experience working with Primes or DoD programs, understands AS9100 and ISO 9001 environments, and can bridge engineering design with practical, efficient, and compliant manufacturing execution.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Develop and refine manufacturing processes for aerospace and defense projects.

Review engineering drawings, specifications, and CAD models to ensure manufacturability.

Define and document process flows, work instructions, and inspection criteria in compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001.

Partner with machinists, suppliers, and engineers to troubleshoot, optimize, and validate processes.

Lead DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) reviews with cross-functional teams.

Select tools, fixtures, and materials to meet tolerance, performance, and cost requirements.

Support prototype builds, first article inspections, and transition to low-rate and full-rate production.

Work directly with Primes and DoD clients on technical discussions, compliance requirements, and project deliverables.

REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS

Must have outstanding interpersonal communication skills

Has the ability to convey thoughts, ideas, and feelings clearly, both verbally and nonverbally (Rapid Viz).

Teamwork: Working effectively with others in a group to achieve a common goal.

Conflict Resolution: The ability to manage disagreements and find constructive solutions.

Leadership: Inspiring, motivating, and guiding others to work together effectively.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Being able to adjust to new situations and changing dynamics in a positive way.

OPERATIONS

Ensure adherence to quality management systems and defense compliance requirements.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on efficiency, repeatability, and traceability.

Collaborate with leadership to align manufacturing strategies with company objectives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to Project Manager of Defense Business Unit

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None directly; works cross-functionally with engineers, machinists, and quality staff.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent.

7–12 years of relevant experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.

Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Proven experience interfacing with aerospace Primes or direct DoD programs.

In-depth knowledge of AS9100 and SO 9001 standards.

Proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CAD, including GD&T.

Strong knowledge of process documentation, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Must be a U.S. Person (due to ITAR and defense project requirements).

Ability to pass a background check and sign confidentiality/employment agreements.

PREFERRED

Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Familiarity with FAI (First Article Inspection) and PPAP processes.

Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification?

OTHER

Ability to stand and work in a fabrication shop

Ability to lift 50 lbs.

This position may interact with government contract work that requires proof of citizenship. All offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check, which includes proof of citizenship or right to work.