Manufacturing Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Lab at National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining – Johnstown, Ohio

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (Mentor, OH) About the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory

The Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory in Mentor, Ohio is being established as a cutting-edge facility designed to support the development, integration, and operation of next-generation manufacturing technologies. The laboratory will serve as a hands-on environment for automated and advanced manufacturing, housing capabilities such as additive manufacturing, composites processing, CNC machining, metrology, and testing.
This facility will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing innovation, supporting production readiness, and enabling experimentation and technology maturation. Built from the ground up, the lab represents a long-term investment in advanced manufacturing excellence, workforce capability, and operational readiness.

About the role and team

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a central and highly visible role in the design, development, and operation of the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory. This is a high-impact opportunity for a mid- to senior-level manufacturing professional to help shape a new capability from concept through steady-state operation.
You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and leadership teams to define facility layout, equipment integration, operational standards, and long-term manufacturing strategy. This role is ideal for a hands-on, systems-minded engineer who enjoys building new capabilities, establishing best practices, and working across disciplines in a dynamic technical environment.
The team culture values collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Candidates who are self-starters, adaptable, and comfortable operating in evolving environments will thrive in this role.

Responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading and supporting the design and layout of an advanced manufacturing laboratory, including equipment flow, safety considerations, utilities, and infrastructure requirements

• Developing, documenting, and maintaining operational standards, processes, and procedures for laboratory operations and advanced manufacturing equipment

• Overseeing and coordinating the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of manufacturing equipment, including additive manufacturing systems, composites equipment, CNC machines, metrology, testing, and automation technologies

• Supporting the initial operation and ramp-up of the facility by ensuring equipment readiness, process stability, and compliance with applicable standards

• Collaborating with engineering, operations, and leadership stakeholders to align laboratory capabilities with organizational goals and future manufacturing needs

• Identifying and driving opportunities for manufacturing efficiency, automation, and technology integration over time

• Ensuring adherence to safety, quality, security, and compliance requirements throughout facility development and ongoing operations

On a typical day, you might:

• Review facility layout plans and coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders on equipment placement and infrastructure needs

• Lead a walkthrough of newly installed manufacturing equipment to support commissioning and acceptance activities

• Develop or refine standard operating procedures for advanced manufacturing or laboratory operations

• Troubleshoot early production or process issues during facility ramp-up

• Meet with cross-functional teams to align future technology additions with operational and strategic objectives

About our ideal candidate:

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)

• Has mid- to senior-level experience working in a manufacturing environment

• Possesses a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, with hands-on or practical exposure to automated or advanced manufacturing systems

• Has experience supporting or leading facility setup, equipment installation, or production line development

• Demonstrates the ability to develop clear standards, procedures, and technical documentation

• Exhibits strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams

• Able to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with materials-focused manufacturing, including metals, polymers, and/or composites

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, composites processing, and/or metrology and testing systems

• Experience working in advanced manufacturing labs, R&D environments, or pilot production facilities

• Prior involvement in bringing new manufacturing capabilities online from concept through operational readiness

Additional Information:

• On-site, full-time position located in Mentor, Ohio

• Minimal travel expected

• No clearance required to start; ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance is mandatory

NCDMM is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Requirements:
NCDMM, as a government contractor, is required to verify all employees through the E-Verify system to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.