Manufacturing Process Work Instruction Author

BAE Systems, Inc.; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Disability coverage

Life and accident insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

BAE Systems, Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Process Work Instruction Author to develop high-quality, actionable documentation guiding CNC machining and welding on the shop floor.

You will work with manufacturing engineers to observe processes, validate workflows, and design repeatable, error-proof steps. The role focuses on eliminating ambiguity, reducing scrap, and integrating quality checkpoints into the process flow, while producing SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids (Creo diagrams) to

Qualifications

• Degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent senior experience).
• Proven experience in CNC machining and/or welding production.
• Experience authoring SOPs or process routings.
• Proficiency with Creo and 3D modeling for visuals.
• Strong communication and ability to work with shop-floor personnel.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex engineering specs into clear operator instructions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and shop-floor personnel to observe processes.
• Design visual aids and diagrams to support work instructions.
• Analyze sequences to identify failure points and apply poka-yoke (error-proofing).
• Develop and maintain standardized work instructions for repeatability.
• Integrate quality checkpoints into the process flow.

Skills

CNC machining experience

Welding production

Technical writing / SOPs

Shop-floor collaboration

Education

Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering degree

Equivalent senior experience

Tools

Creo

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

The Manufacturing Process Work Instruction Author is responsible for developing comprehensive, high-quality technical documentation that guides operators through the daily execution of CNC machining and welding tasks. This role serves as the critical link between engineering design and shop-floor execution. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team of Manufacturing Engineers, the Author will spend significant time on the production floor, collaborating directly with operators and engineers to observe processes, validate workflows, and design rigid, repeatable, and error-proof process steps. The primary goal is to eliminate ambiguity in production, reduce scrap, and ensure the consistent delivery of quality parts through standardized work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex engineering specifications into clear, concise, and actionable step-by-step instructions for operators
• Collaborate directly with Manufacturing Engineers and shop-floor personnel to observe processes and validate workflows
• Design visual aids, callouts, and detailed diagrams using 3D modeling software to support work instructions
• Analyze manufacturing sequences to identify potential failure points and implement "poka-yoke" (error-proofing) methodologies
• Develop and maintain standardized work instructions and formal process documentation to ensure repeatability
• Integrate quality control checkpoints and inspection steps directly into the manufacturing process flow

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience in a senior machining/welding lead role)
• Proven experience working within a CNC machining and/or welding production environment
• Demonstrated track record of authoring formal work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or process routings
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software for the creation of technical visual aids (i.e. Creo)
• Strong understanding of the design and application of machining and welding fixtures
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build rapport with shop-floor personnel
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of 'poka-yoke' and other error-proofing methodologies in a production setting
• Extensive experience in cross-functional collaboration bridging engineering theory and practical application
• Deep familiarity with quality standards and the integration of rigorous inspection checkpointsSoftware and Tools:
• Proficiency with the following is required/preferred:
• 3D Modeling/CAD Software (for visual aids and diagrams)
• Technical Writing tools for SOP and Work Instruction development
• Tooling and Fixturing design principles

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $72150 - $122655 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Platforms & Services

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.