Manufacturing Engineer III

Crane Aerospace & Electronics 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 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 dynamic team in Chandler, 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 CBS (Crane Business System) or similar continuous improvement frameworks

Why Crane Microwave Solutions?

• Join a team solving some of the toughest technical challenges in the defense and space industries
• Contribute to critical systems that keep people safe and connected across the globe\u2014and beyond
• Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that values growth, ownership, and innovation

Apply now to help us advance the next generation of RF and microwave technologies from concept to mission deployment.

Top Benefits:

As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you'll enjoy:

• Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month
• Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
• 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
• Education Reimbursement: eligible after 90 days of employment

You can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities.

We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.

In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.