Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield in Seattle seeks a Staff Advance Manufacturing Engineer to own critical processes across programs and drive throughput, cost reduction, and scalable operations for a next-generation jet production line.

You will define BOMs, map MBOM to operations, build ergonomic workstations, and develop operator-ready work instructions with MES revision control, while mentoring engineers and collaborating with Quality for readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or a related STEM field.
• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering and production systems.
• Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.

Responsibilities

• Define the Bill of Process and manufacturing sequence for subassemblies or cells.
• Map MBOM to operations, tooling needs, and process controls.
• Build ergonomic workstations with standardized tools and PPE.
• Create operator-ready Work Instructions with torque specs and MES revision control.
• Conduct time studies, identify bottlenecks, and lead kaizen improvements.
• Establish standard work, visual controls, and layered audit systems.
• Capture lessons learned and drive root-cause corrective actions.
• Partner with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness.
• Implement ECOs and maintain up-to-date work instructions.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Kaizen

Problem solving

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree (Mechanical/Industrial/Mechatronics or related STEM)

Tools

MES/QMS systems

Torque analyzers

Minitab

Excel

SPC

DOE

Lean/5S

PFMEA

Control Plans

Ergonomic assessment tools

COTS tools for SOPs

Job description

The Staff Advance Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale our operations. You’ll be instrumental in building out the infrastructure for a new production line supporting a next-generation jet, including selecting and deploying capital equipment, implementing hardware and software tools, and establishing robust production systems. Working across engineering, supply chain, and production, you’ll ensure smooth integration of new technologies and provide mentorship to other engineers. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on cross-functional impact, technical leadership, and factory-scale execution

What you'll do:

• Define the Bill of Process and manufacturing sequence for assigned subassemblies or cells.
• Map MBOM to operations, tooling needs, and process controls.
• Build ergonomic workstations (height/reach zones, shadow boards, calibrated torque tools, ESD controls, POU materials).
• Create visual, operator-ready Work Instructions with torque specs, PPE, inspection points, and MES revision control.
• Conduct time studies, compute takt/CT, identify bottlenecks, and lead kaizen improvements.
• Establish standardized work, visual controls, job aids, and layered audit systems; iterate with operators.
• Capture shop-floor lessons learned defects, build issues, tooling feedback and drive root cause and corrective action.
• Partner with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness.
• Implement ECOs, validate process updates, and maintain work instructions accordingly.
• Tools & Skills: MES/QMS systems, torque analyzers, Minitab/Excel (SPC, capability, DOE), lean/5S, PFMEA, ergonomic assessment tools, Control Plans, Standard Operating Procedures.

Required qualifications:

• Currently holds a Top Secret clearance is required
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production systems, process development, or assembly engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related STEM field.
• Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.