Production & Manufacturing Engineer

CFD Research Corporation is seeking a skilled Production Engineer to support the development, production, and fielding of next-generation U.S. Army Launched Effects (LE) systems.  In this role, you will work alongside government and industry leaders to help deliver cutting-edge uncrewed systems that enhance battlefield lethality, survivability, and situational awareness.

Supporting the Army's Launched Effects Product Office, you will play a critical role in transitioning advanced technologies from prototype development to operational capability. This position offers the opportunity to influence manufacturing strategies, production readiness, quality assurance, and system integration for some of the Army's most innovative aviation and autonomous systems programs.

This position may support multiple hirings including early career, mid-career, and senior engineers.

Job Description:

The Production Engineer will serve as a key member of an integrated engineering team responsible for supporting all phases of production, from prototype builds and developmental testing through low-rate and full-rate production.  The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production engineering, quality systems, and configuration management for complex aerospace, defense, or uncrewed systems.

This role requires close collaboration with government stakeholders, systems engineers, quality assurance personnel, suppliers, and production contractors to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and efficient delivery of mission-critical capabilities.  Successful candidates will be self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable balancing technical, manufacturing, and programmatic challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Support manufacturing processes, including government oversight of work instructions, tooling plans, and process flow diagrams.
• Investigate production issues, conduct root analyses, and implement corrective actions to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Optimize designs for efficient and cost-effective production using Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Develop, execute, and assess production verification and acceptance testing activities to ensure product performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure component quality and adherence to technical specifications. Contribute to Manufacturing Readiness Assessments and supplier audits.
• Maintain configuration control of production documentation and engineering changes.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce production risk, improve quality, lower cost, and increase manufacturing throughput.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive production documentation, including manufacturing plans, test reports, engineering change orders, and production metrics.
• Support prototype fabrication, integration, and testing activities to mature designs and validate manufacturing processes.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, composite fabrication, electronics assembly, system integration, and testing.
• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• U.S. Citizenship REQUIRED
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing, producing, or sustaining UAV/UAS, missile, or aerospace systems.
• Knowledge of Agile/Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related quality methodologies.
• Knowledge of military specifications, standards (MIL-STD), and aerospace quality requirements.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Windchill.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis techniques, including 5-Why and Fishbone diagrams.
• Familiarity with Army acquisition, rapid prototyping, and rapid fielding programs.
• Experience working directly with government customers, defense contractors, or production supplies.