Manufacturing Engineer

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer - Controls will support the Controls Engineering group including creation and maintenance of bills of manufacture (engineering masters) in the ERP system, CNC programming support (e.g., Amada equipment), tooling and fixture design, and internal process review and improvement. In this role, you will create and sustain efficient manufacturing and programming processes for the Controls Engineering group and work closely with shop floor personnel to resolve manufacturing issues.

In This Function You Will:

• Create and maintain bills of manufacture (engineering masters) in the Visual ERP system.
• Develop programs and provide support for CNC machines in the Machine Shop and Box Shop (e.g., Amada equipment).
• Design tools and fixtures and work with Logistics to have them manufactured in-house or by external suppliers.
• Troubleshoot shop floor issues in collaboration with Manufacturing, Logistics, QA, and Engineering personnel.
• Specify and document manufacturing processes as necessary for successful part manufacture.
• Review ECNs (Engineering Change Notices) and make appropriate changes to engineering masters and open work orders in coordination with Logistics.
• Resolve any non-conformance issues on controls products (NCMs) and participate in the MRB process and make appropriate resulting markups on drawings/procedures and changes to engineering masters and open work orders in coordination with Logistics.
• Research, identify, and recommend production equipment to meet product manufacturing requirements and safety standards.
• Provide technical support and review of RFQs and other customer documents for the Sales organization.
• Interface with Engineers on all design, tooling, and CNC programming issues.
• Interface with the Controls department on all routing, tooling, raw material, and shop floor issues.
• Work with the Purchasing/Materials & Sourcing team on "make or purchase" decisions.
• Represent Controls Engineering on Continuous Improvement Task Teams.
• Continuously improve Manufacturing Engineering procedures and methods by leveraging new technology to reduce overall production costs.
• Assist with training of new Manufacturing Engineers for the Controls Engineering group to promote orderly progression.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

Basic (Required):

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related Technology preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• CAD experience required; SolidWorks design software preferred.
• ERP experience required for BOM/routings; Visual Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings and electrical schematics required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship, now or in the future.

Preferred:

• Sheet metal processing experience.
• ISO and lean manufacturing experience (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen, Kanban, 5S).

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and written instructions.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and support QMS-related documentation, including work instructions and routing documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to resolve manufacturing and process issues.
• Basic to intermediate computer knowledge of Windows-based operating systems and programs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, internal customers, and cross‑functional teams.

Physical & Safety Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk performing normal office work, including phone and computer use, for 45%-60% of the time.
• Ability to stand and walk in a manufacturing environment for 40%-55% of the time, including visits to the shop floor to discuss manufacturing issues with QA and Manufacturing personnel.
• Ability to wear required PPE on the shop floor, including but not limited to safety glasses and any other required protective equipment.
• Ability to occasionally visit vendor facilities for process qualification and/or audits, as needed.

Accountability

• Reports to the Engineering Manager, Controls.
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with customer specifications and Company policy.
• Keeps the Controls Engineering team informed and aware of all progress and problems.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled