Manufacturing Engineer 1

Location: Brea, CA
Department: Engineering / Operations
Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Range: $72,000–$80,000 annually

Applied Composites is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 1 to support the development, improvement, and implementation of manufacturing processes for advanced composite components used in the aerospace and defense industries.

This position provides hands-on engineering experience supporting production operations, manufacturing process improvements, tooling, technical documentation, and new product introduction. The Manufacturing Engineer 1 will work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and process reliability.

We welcome early-career engineers with strong technical fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and an interest in developing specialized expertise in aerospace composite manufacturing.

Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and dignity and are provided opportunities to develop and grow their careers.

• Analyze manufacturing processes and support improvements to reduce bottlenecks, waste, and production inefficiencies using Lean manufacturing principles.

• Provide technical support for composite manufacturing operations, including interpretation of engineering drawings, models, GD&T, specifications, and equipment capabilities.

• Assist in investigating manufacturing and production quality issues, identifying potential causes, and implementing approved corrective actions.

• Support compliance with Quality Management System (QMS), customer, and safety requirements.

• Prepare, review, and revise manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process specifications, and production media, for appropriate technical review and approval.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, Procurement, and suppliers to support manufacturing activities and process improvements.

• Participate in manufacturing process development, tooling evaluations, and implementation of approved process changes.

• Provide hands-on engineering support in production, inspection, and tooling environments.

• Support new product introduction, engineering builds, and manufacturing readiness activities.

• Assist in developing manufacturing methods, operation sequences, process flows, tooling requirements, bills of materials, and manufacturing labor estimates.

• Participate in process and material evaluations and implementation of approved manufacturing improvements under the guidance of experienced engineers.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant education and experience.

• 0–2 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience.

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and systematic problem-solving techniques.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, models, GD&T, and manufacturing specifications.

• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methods.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and related business applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions.

• Ability to work within established engineering procedures, seek guidance on complex assignments, and follow technical review and approval processes.

• Experience or academic project exposure in aerospace or composite manufacturing.

• Familiarity with composite materials and processes, including carbon fiber, prepreg systems, epoxy, BMI, or polyimide matrices.

• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD.

• Exposure to composite assembly, adhesive bonding, coatings, or related finishing processes.

• Familiarity with CNC routers, tooling, precision inspection equipment, CMM, or Verisurf.

• Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements, tooling evaluations, or new product introduction activities.

 Benefits:
 
 At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.