Manufacturing Engineer in Tucson, Arizona at Albers Aerospace

Our core competencies include systems engineering, program management, logistics, production support, aircraft maintenance, and aviation/aerospace services. We were founded in 2015 and since our establishment, we have been attracting the best talent in our fields of interest enabling us to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to our warfighters. We understand and provide expert consultation on weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs. We know defense and we know aircraft systems.

The Manufacturing Engineer – Machining is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining CNC and conventional machining processes to support the efficient production of high-quality precision components. This role serves as the technical expert for machining operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to ensure manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and capable of meeting customer requirements. Responsibilities include CNC programming, tooling and fixture design, process development, root cause analysis, and production support for both new and existing products.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve machining processes for CNC and conventional manufacturing operations.
• Determine optimal manufacturing methods, operation sequences, machine utilization, tooling strategies, and work-holding solutions.
• Create detailed manufacturing plans that support efficient production from raw material through final inspection.
• Support new product introduction activities, including manufacturability assessments and process validation.

• Develop, modify, verify, and optimize CNC programs utilizing G-Code, M-Code, and CAM software.
• Program and support multi-axis mills, lathes, grinders, and other machining equipment.
• Conduct machine prove-outs and first article runs to validate process capability.
• Optimize cycle times, machine utilization, and cutting tool performance while maintaining product quality requirements.

• Design, develop, and implement custom fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work-holding solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and repeatability.
• Collaborate with production personnel to identify tooling improvements and reduce setup times.
• Evaluate and select cutting tools, inserts, and machining strategies to maximize productivity and tool life.

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Investigate machining and dimensional nonconformances through Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools to reduce waste and improve process capability.
• Partner with Quality to support first article inspections, corrective actions, and customer quality requirements.

• Provide day-to-day technical support to machining operations, troubleshooting process, tooling, equipment, and quality issues.
• Support production teams in achieving safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Participate in capacity planning, equipment evaluations, and manufacturing improvement initiatives.

• Create and maintain manufacturing routings, work instructions, setup sheets, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain accurate engineering and manufacturing records within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support engineering change implementation and configuration control activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field and a minimum of four (4) years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience; OR
• Eight (8) years of directly related manufacturing engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, work-holding, and process optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work across multiple functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• U.S. Citizen and eligible to support Department of Defense programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, ECI, SAP, Oracle, Deltek, or equivalent.
• Experience with CAM software such as GibbsCAM, Mastercam, NX CAM, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD modeling software.
• Experience creating and interpreting 2D drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace manufacturing quality systems.

Physical Demands:

• Office environment, with occasional visits to the shop floor.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access all areas of the facility to determine needs.
• May require travel.

What We Offer:

Teammates receive a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401k, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, employer paid term life, AD&D, long and short-term disability, and education and certification reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities