Senior Specialist Manufacturing Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Specialist Manufacturing Engineer is a technical leader responsible for driving manufacturing excellence for military laser rangefinder and targeting systems. This role owns complex process development, production readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives across high-reliability electro-optical defense programs. The Senior Specialist serves as a subject matter expert in laser subsystem manufacturability, integration, and production execution, partnering closely with engineering, quality, and program leadership to deliver robust and scalable manufacturing solutions. This role also serves as Laser Safety Officer for the site.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Technical Leadership & Process Ownership

• Lead the development and qualification of manufacturing processes for laser rangefinder systems, including optical alignment, electronics integration, and precision mechanical assembly.
• Own manufacturing process plans, build strategies, and producibility improvements across programs.
• Serve as the technical authority for resolving complex manufacturing and test challenges.

Production Execution & Problem Resolution

• Lead root cause investigations for high-impact production issues, including yield losses, systemic defects, and complex failures.
• Drive corrective action implementation through MRB/FRACAS processes and cross-functional coordination.
• Support customer and government witnessed acceptance and qualification testing.

Advanced Tooling & Manufacturing Readiness

• Define and implement advanced tooling, fixturing, and test solutions to improve repeatability and throughput.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), production transitions, and rate readiness assessments.
• Partner with design engineering to influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Mentorship

• Lead Lean manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives with measurable results.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in best practices and technical execution.
• Establish manufacturing standards and scalable processes across laser production areas.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements.
• Experience supporting electromechanical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and build documentation.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills in a production environment.
• Able to work additional hours evenings and / or weekends to meet customer requirements.      
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 30lbs.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within aerospace, defense, medical devices, or other high-reliability industries.
• 5+ years of experience with laser / optical systems.
• Laser Safety Officer certification.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.