We are seeking a Lead, Manufacturing Engineer to join our small team of energetic and efficient MEs. The chosen candidate will have technical responsibility for development and planning of safety and quality methods into written direction in process plans, organizing and conducting technical projects for the support of rocket engine manufacturing operations such as machining, metal forming, welding and brazing, cleaning, heat treating, NDT and material handling. This position is responsible for manufacturing engineering activities through the application of engineering procedures and analysis, evaluation and solution of technical problems encountered in the application of manufacturing methods, facilities, processes, materials and tooling.

This position supports the design, fabrication, modification and evaluation of manufacturing operations; conceive and plan projects involving major production activities, exploration of product and/or processes problems, definition and selection of new concepts and approaches in manufacturing operations. Conduct technical investigations involving the application of technical principles; prepare technical analysis, recommend manufacturing methods and processes required to meet design objectives on new or improved products and/or processes; and coordinate technical matters relating to fabrication drawing interpretation, rework, manufacturing difficulties and specifications.

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to obtain a US security clearance as a job requirement
• Analyze engineering models/drawings to define the sequence of machining, welding, fabrication, heat treat, NDT (XRAY/FPI), and cleaning operations to ensure that the design intent and component quality is achieved.
• Write new CNC programs, setup instructions, estimate and make changes to existing CNC programs. Develop, write and maintain NC programs using engineering models, drawings and specifications to support a zero defects machining operations environment. Select program routines for the most efficient machining methods for each part. Will be involved in the prove out of new technology, first article inspection, fixture design, and day to day programming using Siemens NX CAM.
• Write work instructions using Delmia MES software
• Use machine simulation and optimization software to troubleshoot/validate CNC programs and ensure highly efficient and 100 defect-free FTT machining processes. Modify existing parts programs for engineering changes or program improvements.
• Make proper cutting tool selections, taking into consideration such factors as materials, speeds, type of cutters, feeds and control system imitations.
• Develop, write and maintain type II probe and logic macros to perform on machine touch probe measuring, fixture updates, cutter offset updates, and part feature data collection.
• Participate in knowledge sharing and cross training activity within MEs and NC programmer. Work closely with Machinists, Welders, Quality, Engineering, Management and other team members.
• Improve processes using Lean and 6Sigma tools
• Minimal travel required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Must have broad experience with machining processes from 2-axis turning to complex 5 axis machining processes along with RAM and Wire EDM. Additionally, experience with fixture design to support the machining processes; experience with Siemens NX CAM (version 10 or greater) turning to 5 axis milling programming.
• US Citizenship required.
• Security clearance is required within 3 months of hire

Preferred Additional Skills:

Ability to:

• Interrogate engineering solid models, drawings and is familiar with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y14.5.
• Use Siemens NX CAD/CAM software Ver. 10 or greater to manipulate / modify solid models and to generate cutting tool paths (CNC programs) that are executed by CNC machining centers
• Write work instructions that accompany the CNC programs and manufacturing processes
• Provide technical support to machinists and process engineers during CNC machining operations
• Demonstrate excellent organizational discipline, adhering to rigorous revision control requirements
• Operate effectively in a team environment, collaborate, and value co-workers diversity
• Read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Analyze engineering problems and adopt effective courses of action
• Develop innovative solutions to solve manufacturing problems
• Prioritize and deal with conflicting workload requirements and deadlines set by management
• Follow company policies, technical publications and government regulations. Understand regulations and their impact on the Company’s operations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Organize information clearly and precisely. Required to use a variety of computer systems.
• NC Programming (Level 4).