Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace and Defense

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to plan, develop, and optimize aerospace manufacturing processes for precision-machined components. You will collaborate with CNC programmers, Quality, and Design Engineering to translate designs into efficient, repeatable processes, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO methods.

The role requires cross-functional execution, strong CAD skills, and experience with aerospace manufacturing standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of related manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on 3D CAD experience required.
• Experience creating comprehensive process routers and manufacturing drawings.
• Working familiarity with CNC machining equipment (lathes, mills, multi-axis).
• Experience with heat treat, nitride, anodize, plating, etc.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical specs accurately.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Strong technical writing, especially for instructions and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing processes in aerospace environment.
• Develop detailed manufacturing process plans for new products.
• Improve processes to increase yield and reduce cost.
• Develop work instructions, SOPs, and process workflows.
• Design work-holding fixtures for machining, welding, and assembly.
• Troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain high quality and yield across production lines.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Collaborate on DFM with CNC programmers and engineers.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing problems using technical judgment.
• Create engineering models and drawings in SOLIDWORKS; apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Integrate Six Sigma, Lean, and ISO into daily improvements.

Skills

3D CAD

GD&T

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Engineering drawings

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelors in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

CNC machinery

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Location: South Phoenix - 3617 E La Salle St, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Full time, on-site position

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer plans, develops, and improves manufacturing processes for aerospace and precision-machined components. This role works cross-functionally with CNC Programmers, Quality, and Design Engineering to translate product designs into efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet cost, quality, and delivery targets, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO methodologies throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing processes within an industrial/aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Develop detailed manufacturing process plans for new products.
• Improve manufacturing process plans for existing products to increase yield and reduce cost.
• Develop work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process workflows.
• Design work-holding fixtures for machining, welding, and assembly operations.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues with demonstrated urgency to minimize production downtime.
• Maintain high product quality and manufacturing yield across assigned production lines.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Partner with CNC Programmers and other engineers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM), including design for cost, design for test, and design for assembly.
• Analyze and resolve straightforward manufacturing problems using technical experience, engineering judgment, and established precedent.
• Develop and prepare engineering models, assemblies, and detail drawings in SOLIDWORKS from preliminary concepts, sketches, and specification sheets.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 to all created drawings.
• Integrate Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and ISO methodology into daily process improvement work.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years of related manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on 3D CAD experience required.
• Experience creating comprehensive process routers and manufacturing drawings.
• Working familiarity with CNC machining equipment (lathes, mills, multi-axis equipment, etc.).
• Working familiarity with ancillary metal processing (heat treat, nitride, anodize, plating, etc.).
• Ability to quickly and accurately interpret blueprints and associated technical specifications.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines.
• Strong technical writing skills, particularly for operational instructions and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Regular, consistent, and punctual attendance is required.
• Due to the nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• SOLIDWORKS experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with or as a supplier to large aerospace manufacturers.
• Lean Manufacturing certification (e.g., Green Belt) or equivalent experience.
• Prior customer-facing experience with Honeywell, Woodward, Raytheon, or Northrop Grumman.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is performed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/shop floor environment.

Exposure to machine shop conditions, including noise, moving equipment, and industrial materials; appropriate PPE required in designated areas.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods.

Occasional lifting of up to 15 lbs.

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry.

To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment.

All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available.
• 401(k) with company match.

CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification.

VEVRAA federal subcontractor.

This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as AmendedAge Discrimination Act of 1967 as AmendedRehabilitation Act of 1973Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity ActFair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq