Lead, Manufacturing Engineer- Composites

Job Title: Lead, Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Job Code: 38556

Job Location: Huntsville, AL- AMF South

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week

Job Description:

We are seeking a Lead, Composites Manufacturing Engineer, to work at our new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF) in Huntsville, AL, which will be our inert manufacturing facility for fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware.

The Lead, Composites Manufacturing Engineer is an experienced professional with proficient knowledge of job area and practical knowledge of project management. They may manage projects or processes with general supervision. They communicate with contacts inside and outside of their own department to explain and interpret operational processes, practices, and procedures. They recommend enhancements to systems and processes, and work to achieve operational targets for specific programs and projects with moderate impact on departmental results.

This is a dynamic team that requires motivated, self-starting individuals with hands-on experience. Manufacturing Engineers lead process management activities and create associated documentation for their assigned processes. They must be able to follow company procedures and requirements for the manufacture of advanced, man-rated, and high value aerospace hardware.

Essential Functions:

• Champion process improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.


• Support and lead facility transition efforts for inert product lines.


• Plan, develop, initiate and maintain processes for the fabrication of advanced composite parts.


• Create detailed work instructions, procedures, PFMEAs, and JSAs that meet design, process, quality, safety, and environmental requirements.


• Provide technical guidance and/or training to shop floor, design and management teams.


• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications in support of developing robust and advanced part and tooling designs.


• Interface with all related support groups for processes to ensure accuracy, control and safety of the personnel and quality of the hardware.


• Perform investigations of nonconforming hardware and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.


• Present fabrication processes at customer readiness reviews and present process changes to customers at change board meetings.


• Typically, less than 5% travel may be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites, however, in times of high demand, more travel may be necessary.


• Occasional off-shift and weekend work required to support manufacturing schedules.


• Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearence. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior related engineering experience.  Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related engineering experience.  In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Surface preparation for primary substrates to bond rubber or composite is strongly desired.


• Hand layup and cure of insulation, composite and/or other materials is preferred.


• Experience writing specifications for new pieces of equipment is desired.


• Experience with composite rocket motor nozzle fabrication is desired.


• Structural bonding of metallic and composite substrates is desired.


• Programming and operation of composite cure ovens is desired. 


• Precision assembly of aerospace hardware is desired.


• Strong GD&T background supporting part validation.


• CAD modeling experience is desired.


• Experience with operation of robots, presses, ovens, winders, CNC machines, cutting tables and/or autoclaves is desired.


• Strong cross-functional communication skills.


• Strong problem-solving skills.


• Adaptable to a changing work environment.

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