Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineering Lead
Reports To: Director of Operations / General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Level: Senior Leadership
Schedule: Monday through Friday Day Time Hours
Job Summary
The Sr. Manufacturing Engineering Lead is responsible for directing all manufacturing engineering activities within the precision CNC machine shop. This position provides technical leadership in process development, tooling design, programming, and continuous improvement to ensure efficient production of high-precision components for Aerospace, Defense, Medical, and Commercial customers. The role demands a strong command of MasterCAM, SolidWorks, GD&T, metallurgy, and advanced machining processes, along with the ability to maintain compliance with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, and ITAR regulations.
This individual serves as the primary technical authority on the shop floor and is expected to mentor engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive operational excellence. You will not be micromanaged and will be expected to manage your time and your team’s priorities appropriately.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the manufacturing engineering team, providing technical direction, mentorship and performance oversight
- Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining processes for multi-axis milling, turning, and grinding operations
- Program and verify CNC toolpaths using MasterCAM for complex, tight-tolerance aerospace and defense components
- Create, review, and approve 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, fixture designs, and tooling layouts using SolidWorks
- Apply advanced GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5 to interpret customer drawings, develop inspection strategies, and resolve tolerance stack-up issues
- Leverage metallurgical knowledge to select appropriate materials, heat treatments, coatings, and machining parameters for various alloys including aluminum, titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, and tool steels
- Design and develop work holding fixtures, gages, and tooling for machining, inspection, and assembly operations
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for production nonconformances
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies to reduce scrap, cycle time, and cost
- Ensure all manufacturing engineering activities comply with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, and ITAR requirements
- Support internal and external audits by maintaining accurate documentation, process records, and work instructions
- Collaborate with project managers, quality assurance, production planning, and customers to meet delivery and quality targets
- Evaluate and recommend capital equipment, cutting tools, and new technologies to enhance manufacturing capability
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flow charts, and manufacturing documentation in compliance with quality management system requirements
- Support ITAR compliance by safeguarding controlled technical data and ensuring proper handling of defense-related project information
- Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and configuration control processes
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in a precision CNC machine shop environment
- High proficiency in MasterCAM programming for multi-axis milling and turning applications
- High proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assembly design, fixture design, and detailed engineering drawings
- Strong expertise in GD&T per ASME Y14.5, including interpretation, application, and tolerance analysis
- Strong knowledge of metallurgy including material properties, heat treatment methods, hardness testing, and alloy selection for machining applications
- Comprehensive understanding of machining processes including milling, turning, boring, drilling, reaming, grinding, honing, and EDM
- Working knowledge of AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001 quality management systems
- Working knowledge of ITAR regulations and handling of controlling unclassified information (CUI)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and customer specifications
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person status as required by ITAR
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense precision machining
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience with advanced metrology including CMM programming, portable arms, and optical measurement systems
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems for production planning and scheduling
- Familiarity with NADCAP special processes (heat treat, surface treatment, NDT)
- Strong understanding of mechanics of materials including stress, strain, deflection, and fatigue analysis
- Prior experience managing or mentoring a team of engineers and technicians
- Experience with first article inspection (FAI) per AS9102
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Combination of office and shop floor environment within a precision manufacturing facility
- Extended periods of standing and walking on the shop floor
- Regular lifting of parts, fixtures, and materials (up to 50 lbs)
- Exposure to machine noise, metal chips, coolant, and cutting fluids
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Success Indicators
- Manufacturing engineering team meets or exceeds productivity, quality, and delivery targets
- Scrap and rework rates are consistently reduced through process improvements
- Machining processes are optimized for cycle time, tool life, and cost efficiency
- Engineering documentation is accurate, current, and audit-ready at all times
- Successful AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR audits with zero major findings in manufacturing engineering
- Team members are developed, mentored, and demonstrate increasing technical capability
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with production, quality, and project management teams
FLSA Compliance Notice
This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this role are not entitled to overtime pay. All work time must be accurately recorded. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. Employment with Central Valley Machine is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Central Valley Machine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Ability to Relocate:
- Logan, UT 84341: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
