Manufacturing Engineer I

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.  Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class workforce. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Manufacturing Engineering I 

Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer I will support manufacturing operations across a broad range of electronic, electromechanical, and precision assemblies by applying engineering principles to improve manufacturing processes, optimize workflow, and maintain manufacturing documentation. This role will provide hands-on engineering support for Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) and other manufacturing areas through process development, continuous improvement initiatives, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to implement robust manufacturing solutions while ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements.

Essential Functions

• Create, revise, and maintain manufacturing work instructions, operation sheets, process documentation, and visual work instructions for components, subassemblies, and finished products.
• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting production issues and implementing timely, effective engineering solutions.
• Develop, improve, and maintain manufacturing processes for electronic, electromechanical, and precision assemblies, including Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) and related manufacturing operations.
• Determine manufacturing capacity across product lines and recommend improvements to maximize throughput and efficiency.
• Propose and implement solutions to eliminate manufacturing inefficiencies and production bottlenecks.
• Perform root cause analysis of production failures and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support prototype builds, engineering development builds, first article inspections, qualification activities, and new product introductions.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to improve product manufacturability and support the implementation of engineering changes.
• Evaluate and implement tooling, fixtures, manufacturing equipment, and process improvements to enhance quality, repeatability, and productivity.
• Train operators, technicians, and engineers on manufacturing procedures, process changes, and best practices.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing organization.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and project updates for engineering and management.

Critical Competencies

• Capable of working independently as well as within cross-functional teams consisting of engineers, technicians, operators, quality personnel, and supply chain professionals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated experience in manufacturing process development and continuous improvement.
• Detail-oriented with a hands-on approach to resolving manufacturing challenges.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following preferred: electronics assembly, circuit card assembly, electromechanical assembly, precision mechanical assembly, manufacturing process development, or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, bills of material, manufacturing documentation, and configuration management preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

General Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline from an accredited educational institution required.
• Previous experience supporting manufacturing in an aerospace, defense, medical device, or other high-reliability manufacturing environment preferred.
• Previous experience working in AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facilities preferred.
• Experience working in ESD-controlled manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards preferred.
• Current or previous IPC J-STD-001 Certification (or the ability to obtain certification) preferred.
• Must be a US Citizen.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $80,000 - $95,000 Annually.  This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Additionally, we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans