Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Metal Fabrication (Full Time)
Department: All Openings, Engineering
POSITION SUMMARY:
Piper Aircraft is currently seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our esteemed team. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will lead and contribute to the optimization of our metal forming manufacturing processes, providing technical sheet metal forming expertise and innovative solutions. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in aerospace manufacturing and a strong commitment to excellence.
• Lead the research, evaluation, and selection of capital equipment and processes to advance manufacturing capabilities.
• Oversee the operation and troubleshooting of capital equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Spearhead efforts to identify and resolve complex material and manufacturing challenges while maintaining the highest quality standards, with special emphasis on sheet metal fabrication and forming.
• Strategically optimize work sequencing and workflow through machines and work centers.
• Drive "make versus buy" decisions to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
• Coordinate and manage outsourcing of critical components, maintaining strong relationships with external vendors.
• Conceptualize and lead the development of advanced tooling and fabrication designs for aircraft components.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Manufacturing Engineering policies and procedures.
• Stay at the forefront of technological advancements in aerospace Manufacturing specifically related to sheet metal forming.
• Provide expert guidance, budgeting information, and project updates to senior management.
• Utilize advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools for layouts and line flow optimization.
• Coordinate the implementation of approved facility changes, collaborating seamlessly with various departments.
• Conduct in-depth workflow, capacity, quantitative, and throughput analyses.
• Conduct comprehensive cost analyses and maintain complex charts for strategic decision-making.
• Foster effective communication by interfacing with machine operators, management, and external vendors.
• Champion the application of Lean Tools (5S, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis) and ensure their sustained effectiveness.
• Lead or facilitate Kaizen events, providing mentorship and training to others in facilitation techniques.
• Measure and analyze the results of Lean implementations, driving a continuous improvement mindset.
• Play a key role in executing and promoting problem-solving methodologies across all organizational levels.
• Provide expert training and coaching to plant staff in advanced Lean tools and implementation techniques.
• Assume a leadership role in other related duties as required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. May be required to train and assist other employees.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Avionics, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive engineering experience, with a focus on aircraft manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in computer-aided drafting (CAD), Unigraphics II, Microsoft Project, and Office.
• Demonstrated expertise in using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of successfully overcoming complex challenges.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers in both written and oral form.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The role may require moderate to heavy physical effort, consisting of occasionally lifting and/or moving materials of varying weights.
The employee will be exposed to both an office environment and a manufacturing environment with elements such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold, chemicals, or some element present which makes conditions less desirable than usually found in an office. Travel and overtime may be required when necessary.
SAFETY AND POLICY PRACTICES:
The Senior Manufacturing Engineer must be highly knowledgeable about and strictly adhere to the safety policies and procedures of Piper Aircraft as described in the Company safety manual. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with company hazardous waste disposal procedures while actively supporting the goals and objectives of the organization.
