Engineering Manager in Los Angeles, California at Votaw Precision Technologies LLC

Company Background and Summary

Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, quality craftsmanship, and on-time delivery, Votaw supports some of the world’s most demanding programs through its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex assembly operations for mission-critical applications. Votaw Precision Technologies has long been a trusted partner in building mission-critical hardware for some of the most advanced aerospace and defense programs in the world. Our precision components support the International Space Station, nearly every major launch vehicle in operation, high-performance spacecraft (including classified missions), as well as next-generation fighter aircraft, bombers, submarines, radar systems, and ground vehicles.

We are seeking an experienced and highly knowledgeable Engineering Manager to lead the engineering department. The ideal candidate is experienced in manufacturing of large-scale aerospace metallic parts, design, analysis and planning.

The Engineering Manager must be able to walk onto the shop floor, understand the machining challenges, evaluate processes, communicate effectively with engineers, identify inefficiencies, and make sound technical and operational decisions. The company utilizes a variety of CNC machining technologies, including 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining, as well as vertical milling, welding and large-scale assembly tooling.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage the engineering function supporting CNC manufacturing operations.
• Provide daily technical support to the production floor and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Work closely with machinists, programmers, setup personnel, quality, planning, and operations.
• Review new jobs and determine manufacturing requirements, risks, and appropriate machining strategies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Understand machining processes involving complex geometries, tight tolerances, difficult materials, and multi-operation parts.
• Assist the floor with setup issues, tooling selection, work holding, machining sequences, and process problems.
• Review machining approaches for manufacturability before releasing jobs to production.
• Lead the Engineering Review Board for each new job and applicable repeat jobs.
• Review customer drawings, models, specifications, tolerances, materials, and special requirements.
• Identify manufacturing risks and requirements before releasing jobs to planning and production.
• Confirm that the appropriate machining equipment, tooling, work holding, inspection methods, and processes are available.
• Use CATIA and SolidWorks to review and 3D model and manufacturing designs.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Develop and/or review manufacturing plans and routing processes.
• Determine operation sequences, machine requirements, setups, tooling, fixtures, inspection requirements, and special processes.
• Work with Production Planning to establish realistic manufacturing routes and lead times.
• Identify opportunities to combine operations, reduce setups, improve flow, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Use Epicor ERP to support manufacturing engineering and production processes.
• Ability to create, modify, or review CNC programs using CATIA/CAM is highly preferred.
• Review CNC programs for manufacturability, tooling, toolpaths, machine capabilities, and potential machining risks.

Qualifications and Skills

• 7+ years of experience in CNC machining/manufacturing engineering, with progressive leadership or management experience.
• Strong practical knowledge of 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining.
• Experience with VTL and CNC turning operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, workholding, setups, and machining sequences.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of CATIA and/or SolidWorks.
• Experience developing and reviewing manufacturing plans and routings.
• Experience working with an ERP/MRP system, preferably Epicor.
• Strong ability to work directly with machinists and production personnel on the shop floor.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Design tooling for CNC and release models
• Able to perform stress analysis on tools.
• Ability to manage multiple jobs and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Personal Attributes

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Work Conditions

• Ability to work onsite, including hours outside of a normal working day, to meet critical deadlines.
• This position operates within a precision manufacturing environment supporting the production of mission-critical aerospace and defense components. Success requires a high sense of urgency, attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to coordinate effectively across multiple departments to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations and customer delivery commitments.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment, including walking the production floor, climbing stairs or ladders, occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Additional Requirements

• This position requires the use of information or access to hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Votaw Precision Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets.