Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
We’re seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Manager to
lead and energize our manufacturing team. This is an excellent opportunity for
a strong technical contributor ready to step into their first leadership role.
You’ll bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvement
to the floor every day.
Location: Tempe
Full time, on-site position
REQUIRED: Due to the
nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidates
must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or
protected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.
Job Summary
The Manufacturing Engineering
Manager leads the manufacturing engineering function in a high-precision,
build-to-print aerospace machine shop. This role is responsible for developing,
optimizing, and sustaining robust manufacturing processes that consistently
meet stringent aerospace quality, delivery, and cost requirements. The manager
drives continuous improvement, supports production of complex
precision-machined components and ensures compliance with AS9100, customer
specifications, and industry standards. Success requires strong technical depth
in CNC machining, process engineering, and leadership of a team that bridges
engineering, quality, and production.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing engineering
team (CNC programmers, process engineers, tooling engineers, and manufacturing
engineers).
- Own the end-to-end manufacturing process for new and
existing build-to-print parts: process planning, routing development, CNC
programming, fixture and tooling design, and first-article validation.
- Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, and
Program Management to ensure manufacturability, achieve first-pass yield
targets, and resolve production issues quickly.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on
cycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, setup reduction (SMED), and
overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
principles.
- Establish and maintain standardized work, process
control plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions that support AS9100 and customer
quality system requirements.
- Evaluate and implement new machining technologies,
cutting tools, fixturing, and metrology methods to improve capability and
competitiveness.
- Support quoting and estimating by providing accurate
process plans, cycle times, and tooling cost estimates for new opportunities.
- Manage capital equipment recommendations,
justification, and implementation related to manufacturing capability.
- Partner with Quality Engineering on root-cause
analysis, corrective actions, and process capability (Cpk/Ppk) improvement for
key characteristics.
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet all customer
drawing requirements, including material certifications, special processes, and
inspection criteria.
Foster a culture of safety, quality, and accountability
on the shop floor.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial
Engineering.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in precision
machining / aerospace manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead, supervisory or management role.
- Deep hands-on knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining,
G-code/CAM programming, and fixture design.
- Proven experience in a build-to-print environment
producing aerospace components to tight tolerances and complex geometries.
- Ability to read and interpret complex aerospace
drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and material specifications.
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and
aerospace customer quality requirements.
- Demonstrated success leading process improvement
projects that delivered measurable results in quality, cost, or delivery.
- Excellent problem-solving skills using structured
methods
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional
collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Work Environment & Physical Requirements- Work is
performed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/shop floor
environment.
- Exposure to
machine shop conditions, including noise, moving equipment, and industrial
materials; appropriate PPE required in designated areas.
- Ability to
stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended
periods.
- Occasional
lifting of up to 15 lbs.
Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.
CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match.
CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended
- Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
- Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
- The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq
