Process Engineer

Primus Aerospace; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

10 paid holidays

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Primus Aerospace is seeking a Process Engineer to develop and optimize CNC manufacturing processes for high-tolerance components. The role collaborates with CNC programmers, machinists, quality, and production to drive efficiency and cost reductions in a high-mix environment.

A strong background in precision machining and continuous improvement is essential for success. The candidate will create and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and routings, while supporting NPI activities and ensuring GD&T

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of process engineering experience in a precision machining or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes (milling, turning, tooling, fixturing).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications.
• Experience reducing cycle times, scrap, and production costs.
• Strong problem-solving skills with root cause analysis and corrective action experience.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and improve CNC machining processes to increase productivity and reduce cycle times.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and costs.
• Partner with CNC programmers, machinists, and production teams to troubleshoot challenges and optimize setups.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, SOPs, and production routings.
• Evaluate tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters to improve efficiency and part quality.
• Investigate manufacturing defects and process variation; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support NPI with process planning, tooling selection, and production readiness.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure GD&T compliance and AS9100-related standards.
• Analyze production data and KPI metrics to drive improvements.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Siemens NX

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Job Description

Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense, and space OEMs, Primes, and Tier I suppliers. We specialize in producing high-tolerance, complex geometry components machined from standard and exotic metals. Our team supports major aerospace manufacturers—including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—by delivering precision parts for mission-critical civilian and defense programs.

Job Description

Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense, and space OEMs, Primes, and Tier I suppliers. We specialize in producing high-tolerance, complex geometry components machined from standard and exotic metals. Our team supports major aerospace manufacturers—including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—by delivering precision parts for mission-critical civilian and defense programs.

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent product quality. This role works closely with CNC Machinists, Programmers, Quality, and Production teams to identify opportunities for process improvement, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and implement solutions that improve overall operational performance.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in precision CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Development & Optimization: Develop, evaluate, and improve CNC machining processes to increase productivity, reduce cycle times, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead process improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, rework, machine downtime, and overall manufacturing costs.
• Manufacturing Support: Partner with CNC Programmers, Machinists, and Production teams to troubleshoot machining challenges, improve setups, and resolve production issues.
• Process Documentation: Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and production routings.
• Tooling & Fixturing: Evaluate and recommend tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and machining methods to improve production efficiency and part quality.
• Root Cause Analysis: Investigate manufacturing defects, process variation, and production inefficiencies. Implement corrective and preventive actions to ensure sustainable improvements.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support the development and implementation of manufacturing processes for new parts, including process planning, tooling selection, and production readiness.
• Quality & Compliance: Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure manufacturing processes meet customer specifications, GD&T requirements, and applicable AS9100 quality standards.
• Performance Metrics: Analyze production data, cycle times, scrap rates, and other manufacturing metrics to identify trends and drive measurable improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing goals, improve workflow, and maintain on-time delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a similar role within a precision machining or manufacturing environment; relevant internship or co-op experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, including milling, turning, tooling, fixturing, and machining parameters.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes to reduce cycle times, scrap, and production costs.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing-related software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in high-mix, low-volume CNC machining operations.
• Familiarity with multi-axis CNC machining, complex geometries, and exotic materials.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace manufacturing requirements.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam, Siemens NX, or similar platforms.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing process planning.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement projects.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Long- and Short-Term Incentive Plans
• Benefits begin the first of the month following the date of hire

To adhere to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicants must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

At Primus Aerospace, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports, respects, and celebrates all individuals.

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