Lead Manufacturing Engineer - MRL & Operations

Job Description Summary

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer - MRL & Operations is responsible for driving disciplined execution of the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) framework across programs, with a strong focus on operational rigor, special processes readiness, and alignment with Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) strategic initiatives. This role is the operational owner for establishing and running a repeatable MRL "rhythm" and for ensuring manufacturing risks are verified through real operational evidence, not just documentation. You will build and run standard operating mechanisms (tier reviews, dashboards, action trackers) that directly link MRL status, program plans, AME priorities, and risk burndown to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) performance for each program. You will also share accountability for closing key manufacturing and special process risks, enabling AME technology deployment, and institutionalizing execution discipline.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

MRL Execution & Operational Ownership

• Own the end-to-end MRL operating rhythm for assigned programs, with a primary focus on operational execution.
• Develop and maintain standard MRL templates, including gate review materials, readiness checklists, and risk registers.
• Define clear gate criteria for each MRL level, including required inputs, outputs, and evidence for passing gates.
• Establish and sustain a cadence of MRL reviews (e.g., monthly or phase-based) across programs, ensuring cross-functional engagement (engineering, quality, supply chain, operations).
• Ensure MRL status is data-driven and evidence-backed, with documented artifacts to support each decision.

AME Strategic Operations

• Align AME strategy with operations, translating technology roadmaps and industrialization plans into executable shop-floor plans and standard work.
• Drive operational readiness for new technologies, ensuring AME solutions are validated through trials, pilot runs, and data-backed readiness reviews before full-rate implementation.
• Lead cross-functional coordination between AME, operations, quality, and supply chain to integrate new processes, equipment, and tooling into production.
• Establish and maintain AME operating mechanisms (tier reviews, dashboards, action trackers) to monitor deployment progress, risks, and SQDC impact.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with AME deployments using PFMEA, control plans, and structured problem solving.
• Develop and sustain visual management to show status of AME initiatives, readiness by program/site, and key performance metrics.
• Capture and feed back lessons learned from AME deployments into standards, playbooks, and future technology insertion plans.
• Support capacity, layout, and flow improvements driven by AME technologies to optimize safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Institutionalize Execution Discipline Using FLIGHT DECK

• Deploy FLIGHT DECK to drive standard work, implement operating cadence (weekly, monthly), lead/facilitate problem solving to ensure transactional flow and delivery, and coach teams.
• Develop and deploy standard work for MRL-related activities, including MRL readiness checklists, gate review standards, templates for evidence and data, and standard workflows; update and refine standards based on lessons learned, performance data, and feedback from programs and operations.
• Design, implement, and lead operating cadence (tiered gate reviews) that connect MRL status and upcoming gates, escalations and issues tracking, risk mitigation actions, and program-level SQDC metrics.
• Build and maintain visual management to show MRL maturity by program, special process readiness and issues, and key operational data (open actions, owners, due dates, and closure status).
• Lead and track execution through action planning, tracking milestones, and review feedback with clear accountability. Train and coach teams on how to execute MRL tasks consistently and efficiently. Conduct audits and spot checks to verify adherence to standard work and identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive problem solving to provide corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with clear ownership, realistic timelines, cross-functional collaborative sessions, and rigorous validation with shop floor data.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field from an accredited college or university. ( or a high school diploma/GED with a minimum of 4 years of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or industrial engineering in a production environment experience) + minimum of 3 years of in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or industrial engineering in a production environment experience.
• new product introduction (NPI), industrialization, or similar frameworks.
• • Special processes within manufacturing environments.
  • PFMEA, control plans, and structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC).
  • Expertise in MRL/TRL: Deep understanding of the DOD MRL Desk book criteria and assessment processes and practical application across the 9 threads; familiarity with TRL linkage to MRL.

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional operational reviews and closing manufacturing issues.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with basic statistics and process capability.
• Experience creating and maintaining operational dashboards, trackers, and visual management tools.
• Must be able to work in the United States and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance; existing clearance preferred.

#LI-AW2

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline or MBA with a technical background.
• Experience in Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Prior ownership or leadership role in MRL, TRL, PPAP, APQP, or similar readiness frameworks.
• Training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker

Key Competencies

• Operational excellence: Ability to design and run disciplined operating mechanisms and standard work.
• Cross-functional leadership: Comfortable influencing and driving accountability across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations.
• Technical depth: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impacts on SQDC and risk.
• Data-driven mindset: Able to translate data into priorities, actions, and clear communication.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for both shop-floor teams and senior leadership.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer . Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes