Lead Process Engineer

Job Description SummaryEngineering associated with the manufacturing process at the Wilmington, NC site. Impacts departmental operations and is responsible for planning and execution within the manufacturing discipline. This role is an excellent opportunity for a mid-career engineer who wants to make a visible impact at the site level while expanding technical depth and leadership capability in aerospace manufacturing. In Wilmington, this position offers the chance to work closely with shop operations, influence how high-precision aerospace hardware is produced, and help strengthen a culture of continuous improvement through FLIGHT DECK. The role provides meaningful autonomy within established functional practices and procedures, with opportunities to grow expertise in advanced machining, CNC process development, tooling strategy, and cross-functional manufacturing execution.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead and improve manufacturing processes for high-precision aerospace components at the Wilmington, NC site, helping drive strong performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

• Apply experience in advanced machining and manufacturing, including CNC programming, process optimization, tool selection, and fixture design for complex aerospace hardware.

• Use CAM software, including NX and TeamCenter, to develop and support robust manufacturing methods and production-ready processes.

• Create visual work instructions for CNC operators and support machine SOPs that enable consistent, safe, and efficient execution on the shop floor.

• Define and control the production process, including tooling and equipment, and validate design specifications and shop floor application of new products, tools, or equipment.

• Partner closely with Wilmington site m anufacturing, operations, and support teams to solve problems quickly and implement practical process improvements that matter on the floor.

• Build in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing discipline and use technical expertise and prior experience to execute strategy and improve process capability.

• Use understanding of key business drivers and how the work of the local team integrates with other teams to make sound decisions and deliver results.

• Apply judgment to propose different solutions outside set parameters, using technical skills, analytic thinking, and collaboration with internal partners to solve straightforward and moderately complex manufacturing challenges.

• Work within FLIGHT DECK to support standard work, daily management, problem solving, and continuous improvement across the Wilmington manufacturing operation.

• Grow as a strong individual contributor or early people leader, with opportunities to provide informal guidance, support talent development, and expand leadership scope over time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in manufacturing experience)  +  Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience

Desired Characteristics

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.

• Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.

• Established project management skills.

• Passion for advanced manufacturing and machining process ownership in a hands-on aerospace production environment.

• Interest in career growth through increased technical responsibility, broader site impact, and progression into technical or people leadership roles.

• Experience working in a structured continuous improvement environment and using lean operating principles such as those embedded in FLIGHT DECK.

• Ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, and shop teams in a site-focused manufacturing environment where collaboration and responsiveness matter.

• This role is based in Wilmington, NC, where engineers work closely with manufacturing teams to translate process strategy into shop-floor results.

• The Wilmington site offers the opportunity to make a visible impact in a collaborative manufacturing environment while building long-term technical and leadership capability.

• Candidates who enjoy hands-on manufacturing support, cross-functional teamwork, and continuous improvement will thrive in Wilmington.

Why GE Aerospace Wilmington?

Wilmington offers the chance to build a meaningful engineering career in a high-technology manufacturing environment while enjoying a strong quality of life. Our Wilmington site provides a close-knit, hands-on setting where you can see the impact of your work quickly, collaborate directly with manufacturing leaders, and grow your influence across the shop.

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 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). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.