Engineering Manager

Stevens Point, WI | Full-Time | On-Site

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to help establish and scale engineering operations within a growing aerospace propulsion manufacturing facility. This role begins as a highly technical individual contributor responsible for building the engineering foundation for a new production site, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), and partnering closely with Operations and Quality to develop robust manufacturing and test processes. As production ramps from startup through full-rate manufacturing, the position evolves into a leadership role responsible for building and leading a team of Manufacturing and Propulsion Engineers.

This is a unique opportunity for an engineering leader who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing scalable manufacturing systems, and building engineering organizations from the ground up. The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving first-pass yield, eliminating manufacturing variability, and supporting next-generation aerospace propulsion technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering support for turbine engine assembly, integration, testing, and manufacturing operations.
• Partner with Operations and Quality to establish standardized assembly, inspection, and production processes during facility startup.
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and inherited product definitions to improve manufacturability and production consistency.
• Develop variation reduction strategies through tolerance analysis, critical-to-quality identification, and robust process controls.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), low-rate initial production, and full-rate manufacturing initiatives.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, manufacturing, and test issues involving turbine engines and propulsion systems.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), 8D problem solving, fault tree analysis, and failure investigations.
• Participate in Design FMEA (DFMEA), Process FMEA (PFMEA), control plan development, and manufacturing risk assessments.
• Improve first-pass yield (FPY), reduce manufacturing variability, and increase process capability across production operations.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including assembly procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and engineering changes.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead Manufacturing Engineers and Propulsion Engineers as the engineering organization grows.
• Train technicians on engineering intent, assembly procedures, testing methods, and failure mode recognition.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to support production objectives.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives focused on throughput, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience supporting aerospace manufacturing, propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, or complex electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience transitioning products from New Product Introduction (NPI) into production manufacturing.
• Strong experience supporting turbine engine assembly, balancing, testing, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, variation reduction, and manufacturing process development.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience improving first-pass yield, manufacturing quality, and production efficiency.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and project management skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with turbojet, turbofan, gas turbine, or aerospace propulsion systems.
• Previous leadership experience managing Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, or Test Engineers.
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• Experience within aerospace, defense, aviation, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing standards.
• Experience supporting startup manufacturing operations or greenfield facility launches.
• Demonstrated success improving production throughput, manufacturing capability, and engineering scalability.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to help build and scale a new aerospace manufacturing operation from the ground up. You'll have the opportunity to shape engineering processes, build a high-performing technical team, and directly influence the successful transition from startup operations to full-rate production. In addition to competitive compensation, the role offers bonus potential, equity participation, relocation assistance, and significant long-term career growth within an innovative, mission-driven organization focused on advanced aerospace propulsion technologies.