Manufacturing Engineer Manager

Sekisuiaerospace; Sumner (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Sumner. This role involves leading a team responsible for optimizing composite part fabrication processes and ensuring successful New Product Introduction. Candidates should have strong leadership experience and a proven track record in manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace sector.

Benefits

Medical coverage

401k with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Wellness program

Paid holidays

Accrued vacation/sick time

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in leading engineers.
• Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in composite part fabrication processes.
• Direct and support Manufacturing Engineers’ activities.
• Champion Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Skills

Process development

Lean manufacturing

Statistical process control (SPC)

Problem-solving

Data-driven decisions

Education

B.S. Degree in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Join us as we look to the future! We are currently accepting applications for an upcoming Manufacturing Engineer need at our Sumner location.

SEKISUI Aerospace strives to provide an employee-friendly environment in which goal-oriented individuals thrive as they achieve even more demanding challenges. We are committed to Excellence, managing our company with Integrity, Dignity & Respect, Trust, Engagement in all that we do, and Passion to get the job done to the best of our abilities.

Pay:$130,000/year - $160,000/year

• Medical (free employee-only coverage and low-cost options available)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company Sponsored 401k with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• 8 Paid Holidays plus closed (with pay) for a week during the winter break!
• 15 days per year accrued Vacation/Sick time. Accrued time is available for immediate use; prorated first year

Summary

As a Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the development and improvement of composite part fabrication processes, methods, and tooling. This includes oversight of tool design, shop floor manufacturing support, and process development. A key focus of this role is driving New Product Introduction (NPI)—ensuring seamless integration of new products into production—and leading Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across all manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct and support Manufacturing Engineers’ activities to ensure timely and successful execution of projects.
• Direct and implement all manufacturing technical requirements, including process design, validation, and documentation.
• Responsible for developing tools, processes, machines, and equipment to integrate facilities and systems for producing quality products with optimal capital expenditure.
• Review, approve, and improve engineering designs in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineers to enhance product manufacturability and productivity.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts, ensuring successful transition from development to production through coordination of tooling, process readiness, and cross-functional alignment.
• Champion Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, driving operational excellence through lean manufacturing, waste elimination, and data-driven problem solving.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in process development, PFMEA, error-proofing, value stream mapping, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proven capability to rapidly introduce lean manufacturing practices, from foundational 5S to batch size 1 and flow-based process design.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFA) to influence early-stage product development.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as CATIA and SolidWorks, as well as PDM systems.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques.
• Advanced understanding of industrial engineering principles, including time studies, statistical analysis, ergonomics, and value engineering.
• Ability to lead and implement Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and related documents to define optimal manufacturing methods and process controls.
• Skilled in conducting safety reviews, FMEAs, process capability studies, and applying Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices.
• Strong problem-solving and statistical analysis skills to drive root cause resolution and data-driven decisions.
• Experience in creating work instructions and standard operating procedures for manufacturing operations.
• Competence in the development of engineering procedures and policies to support scalable, compliant operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of preparing technical documentation and communicating with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Proven track record of managing an engineering team in a fast-paced aerospace or high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience in New Product Introduction (NPI)—successfully taking products from concept through launch and into full-rate production.

Education

• B.S. Degree in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a track record of strong achievements.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, leading engineers and a good understanding of different techniques and when to apply them.
• Composite prepreg layup & cure, and trim & assembly experience preferred.

Certificates

• Safety related training and certification are preferred.
• Six Sigma training or certification preferred.

Computer Skills

• Highly proficient with Microsoft office products, document control systems, anddatabases. Experience with Catia and Solidworks CAD, PDM systems, ERP.

Working Conditions

While performing the typical duties of this job, employees will experience the conditions noted below. PPE is provided to protect employees against physical harm or hazards in the workplace environment.

• Usually work indoors. These sites may not betemperature controlled.
• Exposure to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Exposure to hazardous equipment.
• Exposure to contaminants.
• Shared workspaces with other employees.
• Requires handling objects of up to 30 lbs.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, and bending.
• Standing and/or walking for 8 to 12 or more hours per day (varies based on role, shift, and overtime).

Required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Required PPE provided by SEKISUI Aerospace based on the employee’s position and exposure. Below are typical PPE used on the production floor. Appropriate PPE must be worn by all employees when on the production floor.

• Full Face Shield
• Gloves (Latex, Rubber, Chemical Resistant, General Duty)
• Protective Apron
• Respirator
• Safety Glasses - Safety Goggles

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

About Us

For over 30 years SEKISUI Aerospace has been designing, testing, and manufacturing composite products for the aerospace industry. With complete customer satisfaction as our focus and through the relentless efforts of our skilled employees, SEKISUI Aerospace has achieved and continues to maintain an unequaled level of performance.

Our consistent delivery of high-quality products demonstrates our intent, integrity, and dedication to our customers and to our reputation as a manufacturer. We will continue to insert intelligent automation into our manufacturing facilities, which will continue to drive the future of flight well into the next century.

Pre-Employment Drug and Background Screenings

SEKISUI Aerospace is a Drug-Free workplace.Pre-employment drug screen required.

Any applicant selected for this position will be required to submit to a background screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SEKISUI Aerospace provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

People with Disabilities

SEKISUI Aerospace is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the human resources department at the appropriate SEKISUI Aerospace manufacturing site.

Please call if you need accommodation.

Renton Operations, Corporate Headquarters: 425-235-2750

Sumner Operations: 253-863-7868

E-Verify Statement

SEKISUI Aerospace is a federal contractor and is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program. E-Verify allows us to confirm the employment authorization of newly hired employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. With respect to new hires, the E-Verify process must be completed in conjunction with a new hire’s completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, within three days of starting employment. For information regarding E-Verify, visit theE-Verify site .

Export Control Requirements

This position must meet (ITAR) export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Pay

SEKISUI Aerospace is required by Washington law to include the pay for this role when hiring a Washington resident. Pay may be higher or lower for non-resident WA employees, based on the market data for their region, allowing us to pay employees competitively in different geographic markets.

Please note that the pay rate shown above is a general guideline only. Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Our Values

The employees of SEKISUI Aerospace enjoy what we do and are dedicated to our seven corporate values. We promise to hold ourselves to these high standards and seek co-workers who are willing to join us in this task.