Manufacturing Engineer

This range is provided by KCG Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.Base pay range $120,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yrDirect message the job poster from KCG SearchAerospace & Defense Manufacturer in Santa Ana is looking for a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join the team. This person will play a critical role in supporting aerospace and defense machining operations from the quoting stage through production and quality. This position requires a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise in precision CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis work, who can bridge quoting, process development, and quality assurance.The ideal candidate will develop and optimize manufacturing processes, ensure compliance with AS9100D standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives that align with customer, regulatory, and defense-aerospace requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical input and cost analysis during the quoting process, including time studies and manufacturing method recommendationsDevelop, document, and optimize machining processes for complex aerospace and defense components (3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning)Create and maintain job travelers, routings, work instructions, and process documentationCollaborate with programming, production, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with customer specificationsSupport new product introduction (NPI), tooling design/selection, and process validationDrive continuous improvement in cycle times, tooling utilization, setup reduction, and throughputEnsure processes meet AS9100D, ITAR, and customer quality requirementsProvide technical support during first-article inspections (FAI) and production readiness reviewsAct as a liaison between quoting, production, and quality to resolve issues and improve performanceSupport corrective actions, root cause analysis, and problem-solving activities related to machining and qualityQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience5+ years of experience in precision aerospace machining (aerospace & defense environment strongly preferred)Proven knowledge of CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and turningStrong understanding of GD&T, aerospace blueprints, and tight-tolerance machining requirementsExperience with quoting, cost estimation, and process planningFamiliarity with AS9100D/ISO 9001 quality systems and aerospace/defense compliance requirementsHands-on problem-solving skills, with experience in root cause and corrective action methodologiesProficiency in CAD/CAM and ERP/MRP systems (Sage 100 experience a plus)PreferredExperience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) in aerospace machiningKnowledge of ITAR, defense contracts, and customer FAI requirementsLean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certificationAbility to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and quality teamsStrong communication and presentation skills for both technical and customer-facing situationsSeniority level Seniority level AssociateEmployment type Employment type Full-timeJob function Job function Engineering and ManufacturingIndustries Defense and Space Manufacturing and Aviation and Aerospace Component ManufacturingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at KCG Search by 2xInferred from the description for this job Medical insuranceVision insurance401(k)Get notified about new Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Santa Ana, CA .Mechanical Engineer - SolidWorks, ANSYS, Mechanical Design Corona, CA $75,000.00-$95,000.00 2 days agoHuntington Beach, CA $141,120.00-$176,400.00 2 weeks agoPrincipal Mechanical Design Engineer, Factory Automation Long Beach, CA $196,000.00-$253,000.00 2 weeks agoManufacturing Engineer - New Product Introduction (NPI) Long Beach, CA $105,000.00-$130,000.00 2 weeks agoMechanical Design Engineer, Electronics Packaging Long Beach, CA $110,000.00-$200,000.00 1 week agoManufacturing Engineer II (United States) Irvine, CA $76,450.00-$102,300.00 1 week agoPrincipal Mechanical Design Engineer, Tooling Long Beach, CA $196,000.00-$253,000.00 2 weeks agoManufacturing Engineer (Experienced and Lead Level) Santa Ana, CA $86,300.00-$100,000.00 1 month agoLong Beach, CA $100,000.00-$154,000.00 2 weeks agoSenior Manufacturing Engineer, Vehicle Components Long Beach, CA $130,000.00-$166,000.00 1 week agoPrincipal AME Equipment Engineer, Battery Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Assembly & Precision Actuation Long Beach, CA $130,000.00-$166,000.00 2 weeks agoBrea, CA $105,000.00-$110,000.00 1 week agoCarson, CA $132,000.00-$176,000.00 5 days agoIrvine, CA $80,000.00-$100,000.00 1 week agoOntario, CA $92,000.00-$99,000.00 11 hours agoOrmco Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Injection Molding (On-Site Pomona, CA) Pomona, CA $92,500.00-$138,700.00 4 days agoSenior Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics Lake Forest, CA $70,000.00-$95,000.00 1 month agoStaff Manufacturing Engineer, Special Projects Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion Long Beach, CA $85,000.00-$132,000.00 5 days agoBGS-G Supply Chain Engineering Recovery Manufacturing Engineer Irvine, CA $60,320.00-$101,920.00 1 week agoWe're unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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