Manufacturing Engineer III
Our client is a leading supplier of mission-critical RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave components and subsystems for defense, aerospace, and space platforms. From deep-space satellite payloads to electronic warfare systems and secure communications, our client's Microwave Solutions division plays a vital role in powering innovation where performance matters most.
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer III to join our client's dynamic team in AZ. This is an opportunity to drive manufacturing excellence for highly complex RF and microwave products in a high-mix, low-volume environment supporting next-generation defense and space technologies.
What You’ll Do:
• Lead cross-functional initiatives focused on manufacturing process optimization, cost reduction, and product improvement across our advanced RF/microwave product lines
• Analyze and design manufacturing methods, process flows, tooling, and layout to support efficient production of highly specialized hardware
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for yield, quality, and assembly issues in high-reliability microwave product manufacturing
• Participate in DFM reviews for new designs and design changes; provide technical feedback to improve manufacturability and throughput
• Drive improvements in manufacturability for RF/microwave integrated assemblies (IMAs), frequency control devices, up/down converters, filters, and synthesizers
• Develop and maintain detailed manufacturing instructions, routings, and procedures aligned with quality and regulatory requirements
• Mentor junior engineers and act as a technical leader in support of production and engineering teams
• Conduct cost analysis, ROI calculations, and make/buy decisions to support capital investments and business case evaluations
• Serve as a key contributor in cross-functional Material Review Board (MRB) and new product introduction (NPI) teams
• Interface with internal teams, external vendors, and customers to resolve technical manufacturing challenges and enable delivery
What You’ll Bring:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role within a high-reliability electronics or RF/microwave production environment
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods for RF electronics, including soldering, mechanical assembly, bonding, and environmental testing
• Ability to analyze technical drawings, interpret customer specifications, and support high-mix product builds
• Strong working knowledge of Lean principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone, PFMEA)
• Effective communicator with ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams
• Experience developing and tracking manufacturing KPIs, creating work instructions, and supporting regulated production (e.g., AS9100, MIL-STD)
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in a defense, aerospace, or regulated electronics manufacturing environment
• Prior work with RF/microwave systems or components a significant plus
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, CAD tools, and process mapping platforms
• Exposure to continuous improvement frameworks