Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Role details

Eleven Recruiting is seeking an accomplished Manufacturing Engineer to support one of our leading aerospace and defense partners specializing in advanced composite flight hardware for classified programs. This position plays a critical role in standing up new production lines for high-precision composite flight control surfaces, supporting a long-term contract spanning multiple aircraft platforms.

The Manufacturing Engineer will be directly responsible for developing and implementing end-to-end manufacturing processes—from tooling design and layup development to assembly, bonding, and final inspection. This includes defining production methods, optimizing process flow, and ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous defense, quality, and security standards.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of composite materials, aerospace-grade tooling, autoclave curing, and assembly processes, along with a proven ability to translate engineering design intent into efficient, scalable, and auditable manufacturing practices. This role directly supports programs of national significance and requires a U.S. citizen eligible for a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement manufacturing build plans, travelers, and routers for new composite component builds.
• Provide day-to-day hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot production issues on the shop floor.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and process controls to achieve zero-defect manufacturing performance.
• Conduct producibility and readiness assessments for new or revised parts, ensuring alignment with program and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with design and program engineering teams to ensure manufacturability and efficiency throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain process documentation, standard work, and technical instructions in compliance with AS9100 and customer specifications.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, RCCA, VSM) to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase quality.
• Interface directly with the customer’s onsite engineering and quality teams to support reviews, audits, and program deliverables.
• Support proposal and cost estimating activities by providing manufacturing input on technical approaches, schedules, and resources.
• Participate in facility layout and process flow improvements within the new secure manufacturing area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in composite manufacturing for aerospace or defense programs.
• Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Strong background in laminate layup, curing, bonding, and assembly processes for composite parts.
• Experience developing or modifying travelers, BOMs, routers, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5 or SolidWorks for tooling and fixture design.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement root cause corrective actions.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO9001, and related quality management standards.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for a Secret security clearance (existing clearance preferred).

Salary

$125,000 - $150,000