Manufacturing Engineering Manager

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense in Tempe seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the manufacturing engineering function on-site, driving high-precision aerospace build-to-print production and continuous improvement. This hands-on leader will plan, optimize, and sustain robust processes that meet stringent quality, delivery, and cost requirements.

The role requires deep CNC, process engineering, and leadership across engineering, quality, and production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 8+ years in precision machining/aerospace manufacturing engineering with leadership experience.
• Deep CNC machining, G-code/CAM programming, and fixture design knowledge.
• AS9100 and ISO 9001 awareness; reading complex drawings (GD&T).
• Proven Lean/Six Sigma process improvement track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop manufacturing engineering team.
• Own end-to-end process for new build-to-print parts.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and PM to ensure manufacturability.
• Drive cycle-time reduction, scrap, and OEE improvements.
• Establish standard work, PFMEAs, and work instructions.
• Support quoting with process times and tooling estimates.
• Manage capital equipment recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

CNC programming

Process engineering

Lean manufacturing

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CNC machines

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

We’re seeking a motivated, hands‑on Engineering Manager tolead and energize our manufacturing team. This is an excellent opportunity fora strong technical contributor ready to step into their first leadership role.You’ll bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvementto the floor every day.

Location:Tempe

Full time, on‑site position

REQUIRED:Due to the nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidatesmust qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, orprotected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing EngineeringManager leads the manufacturing engineering function in a high-precision,build-to-print aerospace machine shop. This role is responsible for developing,optimizing, and sustaining robust manufacturing processes that consistentlymeet stringent aerospace quality, delivery, and cost requirements. The managerdrives continuous improvement, supports production of complexprecision-machined components and ensures compliance with AS9100, customerspecifications, and industry standards. Success requires strong technical depthin CNC machining, process engineering, and leadership of a team that bridgesengineering, quality, and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing engineeringteam (CNC programmers, process engineers, tooling engineers, and manufacturingengineers).
• Own the end-to-end manufacturing process for new andexisting build-to-print parts: process planning, routing development, CNCprogramming, fixture and tooling design, and first-article validation.
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, andProgram Management to ensure manufacturability, achieve first-pass yieldtargets, and resolve production issues quickly.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused oncycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, setup reduction (SMED), andoverall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using lean manufacturing and Six Sigmaprinciples.
• Establish and maintain standardized work, processcontrol plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions that support AS9100 and customerquality system requirements.
• Evaluate and implement new machining technologies,cutting tools, fixturing, and metrology methods to improve capability andcompetitiveness.
• Support quoting and estimating by providing accurateprocess plans, cycle times, and tooling cost estimates for new opportunities.
• Manage capital equipment recommendations,justification, and implementation related to manufacturing capability.
• Partner with Quality Engineering on root‑causeanalysis, corrective actions, and process capability (Cpk/Ppk) improvement forkey characteristics.
• Ensure manufacturing processes meet all customerdrawing requirements, including material certifications, special processes, andinspection criteria.

Foster a culture of safety, quality, and accountabilityon the shop floor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or IndustrialEngineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in precisionmachining / aerospace manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead, supervisory or management role.
• Deep hands‑on knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining,G-code/CAM programming, and fixture design.
• Proven experience in a build-to-print environmentproducing aerospace components to tight tolerances and complex geometries.
• Ability to read and interpret complex aerospacedrawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and material specifications.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, andaerospace customer quality requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvementprojects that delivered measurable results in quality, cost, or delivery.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills using structuredmethods
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functionalcollaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies(high-speed machining, hard milling, in-process probing, automated cells).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturingexecution systems
• Experience managing both internal processes andexternal special-process suppliers

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work isperformed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/shop floorenvironment.
• Exposure tomachine shop conditions, including noise, moving equipment, and industrialmaterials; appropriate PPE required in designated areas.
• Ability tostand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extendedperiods.
• Occasionallifting 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. 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 Amended
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
• The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq