Associate Principal Engineer

This position requires US Citizenship

The Associate Principal Engineering position will be part of a team focused on finishing processes and assembly operations for composite aircraft structures. This role requires daily interaction and relationship-building with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Operations, Planning, and Program Management, to achieve quality standards and production ramp-rate goals.

Responsibilities include interpreting engineering specifications, dispositioning defects, conducting root cause investigations, implementing corrective actions, creating work instructions, and providing technical leadership for finishing processes (such as paint and seal applications) and assembly production lines. Additionally, the role will be responsible for the development, qualification, and implementation of new manufacturing processes to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively with other departments on production floor and near composite structures.
• Willing to work projects as a team or independently, as necessary.
• Thorough interpretation of Catia and 3Dx models, datasheets, and customer specifications
• Understanding of paint and assembly processes, tooling, techniques, and methodology
• Manage procedural work instructions for production operations
• Utilize good problem-solving judgement and project management skills
• Evaluation of nonconformances, exhibit strong decision-making skills, and provide clear written disposition of repairs (MRB)
• Drive results through leading/participating in PFMEA, Kaizen, & Six Sigma evaluations and improvement implementation
• Review of tooling usage and provide technical recommendations for poka-yoke or other risk reduction activities
• Review and monitor complex GD&T stack-up in an aircraft structure and interactions with tooling
• Drive/support implementation of automated drilling equipment for large aircraft structures
• Develop process improvements, shop aids, etc. to mitigate defects and increase production rates

Education/Additional Skills:

• BS Engineering degree or equivalent years of experience; Mechanical or Aerospace degree preferred
• 10+ years in manufacturing/process engineering; Aerospace composite industry preferred
• Ability to apply DMAIC, LEAN, PFMEA, Six Sigma, Poka-yoke improvements
• Root Cause and Corrective Action / Nonconformance Disposition (MRB)
• Shop Planning Generation (MS Office Products, etc)
• GD&T understanding (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience in CNC machining environnement a plus
• Green Belt Certified a plus
• Experience in Windchill, and SAP a plus
• Willingness to perform "hands-on" work a plus