Manufacturing Engineering Lead — CNC, NPI & Lean

Primus Aerospace

Maryland

On-site

USD 110,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

Job summary

Primus Aerospace is a precision manufacturer seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead engineering, programming and maintenance teams in CNC and manual processes. You will drive process improvements, NPI, and cost reductions across machining, stamping, laser cutting, and painting operations while ensuring AS9100 compliance and strong process traceability.

The role focuses on optimizing tooling, setups, and workflows, reducing cycle times, and expanding automation.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years CNC machining experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
Strong background in multi-axis CNC programming (Mastercam, NX, or Fusion 360).
Proven experience with process improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace manufacturing quality requirements.
Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and understanding of GD&T principles.
Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
Experience with stamping and laser cutting operations.
Exposure to manual or automated painting processes.
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for manufacturing process management.
Lean Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement training.

Responsibilities

Oversee and participate in the creation, validation, and optimization of CNC programs for mills, lathes, and laser cutting machines.
Develop standardized setups, tooling, and work instructions to ensure repeatability and reduce setup times.
Collaborate with estimating and production to ensure manufacturability of new and existing products.
Lead new product introductions (NPI) by developing robust, cost-effective CNC and secondary processes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing operator-to-machine ratios and reducing machining cycle times.
Analyze process bottlenecks and implement automation, toolpath optimization, and lean manufacturing principles.
Partner with maintenance and production teams to maximize equipment utilization and minimize downtime.
Monitor and report on KPIs such as cycle time, scrap rate, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Serve as the primary technical resource for CNC and process-related troubleshooting.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and process issues.
Provide training and support to machinists and operators to ensure process control and adherence to standards.
Supervise manufacturing engineers, CNC programmers, and technical support personnel.
Establish clear objectives, priorities, and accountability within the team.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and safety across all operations.
Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 and customer requirements.
Maintain accurate process documentation, setup sheets, and job travelers.
Support internal and external audits with thorough technical documentation and process traceability.