Lead manufacturing engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to drive process excellence and operational execution in investment casting. This role will focus on scaling production capability, implementing advanced manufacturing methods, and ensuring high-quality, repeatable output across aerospace and defense casting programs. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of investment casting with leadership skills to mentor engineers and technicians, manage production challenges, and spearhead continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Process Ownership & Leadership

o Serve as the primary technical leader for manufacturing engineering within the investment casting foundry

o Lead and mentor a team of engineers and technicians in day-to-day production problem solving, root cause analysis, and yield improvement

o Own and continuously improve processes including wax injection, ceramic shell, core handling, pouring, solidification, knockout, heat treat, machining, and inspection

• Production Excellence & Scale-Up

o Drive throughput, yield, and OEE improvements to meet delivery and cost targets

o Develop standard work, process documentation, and manufacturing best practices across operations

o Oversee scaling of production lines, tooling transitions, and introduction of new equipment

o Partner with design and simulation teams to optimize gating, riser, and mold design for manufacturability

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement

o Introduce advanced automation, additive-enabled casting workflows, and digital foundry technologies

o Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 practices to reduce waste and improve efficiency

o Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product introduction (NPI) and rapid prototyping initiatives

• Quality & Compliance

o Ensure compliance with AS9100, Nadcap, and customer-specific quality requirements

o Lead process audits, capability studies, and PPAP/FAI deliverables

o Partner with quality engineering to reduce scrap, rework, and defect rates

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or Metallurgical Engineering (advanced degree preferred)

• 7-10+ years of experience in investment casting or high-precision foundry operations

• Demonstrated success in scaling complex processes for aerospace or defense components

• Strong expertise in process simulation, casting metallurgy, and defect analysis

• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing methods

• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. - Hands-on knowledge of additive-enabled mold/core technologies

• Experience with automation in shell building, pouring, or post-processing

• Familiarity with vacuum furnaces, DS/SX casting, and advanced superalloy processing

• Financial acumen to connect cost drivers with manufacturing strategies