Manufacturing Engineer III
Location: Brea, CA
Department: Engineering
Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000
Position Summary
Applied Composites is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer III to develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes supporting advanced composite components for commercial, aerospace and defense applications.
This position works closely with Operations, Design Engineering, Quality, and other technical teams to support new product introduction, improve manufacturing performance, troubleshoot complex production issues, and implement process improvements. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of composite manufacturing with hands-on problem-solving, project management, and continuous improvement experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and improve manufacturing methods, processes, tooling requirements, and technical specifications for new and existing programs.
- Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to evaluate manufacturability, fit, form, function, cost, and reliability.
- Evaluate composite materials and manufacturing processes through test plans, trials, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), and other appropriate validation methods including LEAN manufacturing tools.
- Support as required hands-on fabrication of test laminates and prototypes, including coupon testing and process evaluation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles, and other problem-solving methodologies to improve quality, cost, delivery, productivity, and process reliability.
- Plan and coordinate engineering projects, including schedules, time studies, critical-path activities, resource estimates, and key performance indicators.
- Provide technical support to production operations, investigate manufacturing issues, recommend corrective actions, and maintain appropriate technical documentation and action-item tracking.
- Work independently on assigned technical responsibilities while collaborating with engineering leadership and support groups on all associated projects.
- As required, provide technical support, training materials, guidance and mentoring to production and support personnel.
- Prepare technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to support various projects.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum 5+ years of relevant composite manufacturing or process engineering experience.
- Experience developing, improving, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, technical specifications, process documentation and ITAR regulations.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings/specifications, GD&T requirements, and applicable CAD models.
- Experience with manufacturing process improvement, root cause analysis, and cross-functional technical problem-solving.
- Strong written and verbal communication at all levels, organizational, and project coordination skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Seven or more years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience.
- Experience manufacturing composite components.
- Knowledge of composite materials, fabrication techniques, and process validation.
- Experience with filament winding and high-temperature composite materials, including polyimide systems is a plus
- Familiarity with SolidWorks, CATIA V5, AutoCAD, Mastercam, or similar engineering software. It’s a plus
- Experience with Lean manufacturing tools, DMAIC, PFMEA, and structured continuous improvement initiatives.
About Applied Composites
Applied Composites is a provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling for aerospace, defense, and space applications. Our team supports the development and manufacturing of advanced composite products through technical expertise, quality, and operational excellence.
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.
Day Shift
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
- At least 5 years of relevant composite manufacturing or process engineering experience
- Experience developing, improving, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, technical specifications, process documentation, and ITAR regulations
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T requirements, and applicable CAD models
- Experience with manufacturing process improvement, root cause analysis, and cross-functional technical problem-solving
- Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and project coordination skills
- Seven or more years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience
- Experience manufacturing composite components
- Knowledge of composite materials, fabrication techniques, and process validation
- Experience with filament winding and high-temperature composite materials, including polyimide systems
- Familiarity with SolidWorks, CATIA V5, AutoCAD, Mastercam, or similar engineering software
- Experience with Lean manufacturing tools, DMAIC, PFMEA, and structured continuous improvement initiatives
Applied Composites Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Applied Composites and has not been reviewed or approved by Applied Composites.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and options like FSA/HSA, with disability coverage and an EAP also available. Wellness programs further contribute to overall health support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a vacation plan, wellness days, and 10 paid holidays each year. PTO accrual increases with tenure, expanding available leave over time.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer matching is offered. This provides structured support for long‑term savings.
Applied Composites Insights
What We Do
Applied Composites is a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space systems markets. Vertically integrated with six strategic locations, we have widespread capabilities to serve expanding industry needs in many high-growth aerospace and defense platforms. Specializing in complex composite assemblies for the aerospace industry, Applied Composites has a long history of providing customer satisfaction by focusing on continuous improvement processes that help reduce time and cost. Our aerospace composite manufacturing capabilities are among the best in the industry.
