Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI & Process Optimization

Safran - Navigation & Timing; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Federal Systems is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in the U.S. to lead manufacturing improvements and NPI readiness for new products. You will drive process validation, ECO activity, and documentation development to ensure manufacturability and quality across production lines.

You will partner with design, supply chain, and quality teams to optimize processes, equipment, and tooling. A proactive, technically strong engineer with Lean/continuous improvement expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field is required.
• 4+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment or relevant field is required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information across all levels of the organization.
• Solid knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and process optimization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying and solving manufacturing challenges.
• Systematic problem-solving skills with experience using RCCA methodologies and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Mechanical aptitude with working knowledge to support troubleshooting of product designs, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), process development, and manufacturing improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation such as Process FMEAs, work instructions, process flows, and standard work.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new products, manufacturing processes, and business systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to be flexible and have fun!
• Plus: Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Plus: Prior experience working with Aerospace, Defense, and Government customers.
• Position is based in the U.S., with minimal travel (up to 10%)

Responsibilities

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from the manufacturing perspective, including participating in Design FMEAs, pilot builds, and process validation.
• Develop, validate, and implement improvements to existing products and manufacturing processes while supporting adherence to established manufacturing standards.
• Create and maintain Process Flow Diagrams and other manufacturing documentation to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process by providing manufacturing input and supporting implementation of approved design changes.
• Research, develop, and implement manufacturing methods, tools, and process improvements to increase operational capability and efficiency.
• Apply manufacturing principles to improve quality, productivity, and manufacturing performance.
• Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, support process improvements, and improve key process indicators (KPIs).
• Support NPI activities by ensuring manufacturing documentation, assembly processes, test methods, tooling, equipment, and training requirements are prepared for production readiness.
• Participate in design reviews, providing Design for Manufacturability feedback and identifying opportunities to improve manufacturability and quality.
• Provide technical input for manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and software required to support production.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing process documentation including work instructions, process details, test procedures, and inspection checklists.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Process FMEAs to establish robust manufacturing processes and define in-process inspection and testing requirements.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows, equipment utilization, and facility layouts to improve efficiency for new and existing product lines.
• Support preventive maintenance programs for assembly tools, fixtures, and test equipment to ensure reliable manufacturing operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel by sharing technical knowledge and best practices while supporting cross-functional project teams.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

RCCA

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

MS Office

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Safran Federal Systems is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in the U.S. to lead manufacturing improvements and NPI readiness for new products. You will drive process validation, ECO activity, and documentation development to ensure manufacturability and quality across production lines.

You will partner with design, supply chain, and quality teams to optimize processes, equipment, and tooling. A proactive, technically strong engineer with Lean/continuous improvement expertise is essential.