Senior Industrial Engineer 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 a highly analytical Industrial Engineer to drive efficiency in our AS9100-certified CNC machine shop. In this role, you will own the production schedule, maximize spindle utilization across our multi-axis mills and lathes, and ensure strict adherence to aerospace quality and traceability requirements. This role is responsible for improving factory throughput, validating labor standards and routings, identifying bottlenecks and providing resolutions, building utilization and capacity models required to support disciplined growth, reliable customer delivery, improved asset utilization, support tracking of machine maintenance, and supporting automated job scheduling. The ideal candidate understands high-mix, low-volume aerospace work, knows how to schedule around First Article Inspection (FAI) bottlenecks, and can optimize tooling and fixture usage to reduce changeover times. This position is ideal for an individual who is highly organized, attentive to detail, has the ability to streamline processes, holds keen project & priority management, schedule conflict resolution, presenting and communicating effectively in meetings.

Essential Functions

• Analyze sequence of operations and workflows to maximize efficiency, reduce cycle times, and eliminate waste.
• Develop labor hour estimates using time studies, historical data, and operational analysis for production scheduling.
• Design plant layouts, establish material flow, and balance production lines to optimize facility and equipment utilization.
• Manage headcount planning and evaluate personnel requirements in relation to operational demands and manufacturing shifts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement plans to improve the execution of production work, including capacity planning, defect reductions, on-time starts/finishes, etc.
• Lead continuous improvement workshops, problem-solving teams, and technological insertions to improve product flow and reduce production costs.
• Develop models, databases, and spreadsheets to analyze data and provide metrics, reports, and performance summaries to leadership.
• Track, measure and report on metrics, including but not limited to machine utilization, capacity planning, machine mean time between failures, queue time reduction, bottleneck recovery, capacity model accuracy and setup time reduction.
• Ensure all work processes comply with regulatory standards, safety policies, and ergonomic guidelines.

Qualification and Skills

• Proficiency with ERP software (Epicor preferred – specifically master scheduling and planning modules).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and capacity planning.
• Ability to apply factory simulation and process flow methodologies to model system operations, diagnose bottlenecks and queue constraints, and optimize throughput, cycle time, and overall cost efficiency.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret MRP outputs and adjust schedules accordingly.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across all departments.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong preference for experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense. Strong plus for experience in a job shop environment including build-to-print, custom fabrications and large components.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience with ERP/MRP (Epicor) systems is required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with internal teams; including the ability to bring internal teams together to spearhead issues.
• Experience with market research and data analysis to conduct action and result oriented solutions.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
• Organize, speak, and drive presentations in large group settings to cross functional departments.

Education & Experience

• 7+ years of industrial or manufacturing engineering experience within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert in ERP software (Epicor preferred – specifically master scheduling and planning modules).
• Expert with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision machining industries.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with AS9100 Rev D, including traceability, FAI (AS9102), and non-conformance handling.
• Ability to read complex blueprints with GD&T and understand cycle times to validate schedules and routings is a plus.
• Experience with CATIA, SolidWorks, NX or similar CAD software, including experience with configuration management and control, factory simulation using Simio software or similar tool.

Performance Metrics

• Machine utilization.
• Capacity planning
• Machine mean time between failures.
• Queue time reduction.
• Bottleneck recovery.
• Capacity model accuracy.
• Setup time reduction.

Personal Attributes

• Able to communicate effectively with non-technical staff and with members of interdisciplinary teams.
• Flexible and adaptable in regard to learning and understanding new technologies.
• Strong written, oral, presentation, critical thinking interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• 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.
• Ability to walk the shop floor to obtain a visual on job status.

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.