Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Aerospace Products - Solenoid Valves

Location: Westbrook, Connecticut

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Position Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in supporting the production and continuous improvement of precision miniature solenoid valve products. This position is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes that ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Working closely with cross-functional teams including Product Engineering, Quality, and Operations, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer will lead technical initiatives related to process development, equipment implementation, and production improvement. This role requires strong technical leadership and the ability to influence teams and drive projects forward, though it does not include direct supervisory responsibility.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on engineering expertise with the ability to lead complex manufacturing initiatives in a highly precise, regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes supporting the production of precision solenoid valve components and assemblies.
• Identify opportunities to improve process capability, throughput, yield, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of manufacturing issues to support stable production.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Partner with product engineering teams to support the transition of new designs into manufacturing.
• Develop manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and assembly processes to support new product launches.
• Ensure processes meet design requirements, quality standards, and production targets.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve product quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Utilize data-driven methodologies to analyze process performance and implement improvements.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through process optimization and design for manufacturability (DFM).

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and manufacturing personnel.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to implement process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on manufacturing processes within the solenoid valve product group.

Equipment & Automation

• Support specification, development, and implementation of specialized manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to develop innovative manufacturing solutions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet company quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support validation activities, documentation, and process qualification as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.

Experience

• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting complex assemblies, precision components, or electromechanical products preferred.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and process development.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and assembly methods.
• Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with precision machining, micro-assembly, or high-reliability components is highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and project coordination abilities.