Manufacturing Engineer III- Serial Production (Onsite)

Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

We are looking for a skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is an on-site position based in Huntington Beach, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth.

JOB SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Engineer – Serial Production provides direct engineering support to serial production operations, with a focus on resolving manufacturing issues, improving production processes, and ensuring products are manufactured in accordance with engineering requirements, quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable aerospace standards. This role partners closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to identify and implement solutions to issues occurring on the production line, support the transition of products from development into serial production, and improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production flow. The Manufacturing Engineer also supports production line setup, shop aids and fixtures, operator training, time studies, and Lean manufacturing initiatives, including one-piece flow, takt time, pull systems, and Kanban. Success in this role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, hands-on production support, and the ability to independently develop and implement practical manufacturing solutions.

Note: The primary differences between job levels tie to skill level, complexity of the problem solving, and years of experience. Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Serial Production Support & Problem Resolution

• Provide direct manufacturing engineering support to serial production lines by identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving technical and manufacturing issues as they occur.
• Investigate production issues, determine root causes, develop and implement practical solutions, and coordinate with Engineering when design or technical changes are required.
• Review engineering drawings and technical documentation to support production activities, resolve manufacturing issues, and develop appropriate tooling and production solutions.
• Work as part of the cross-functional team assigned to the production line, partnering with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other applicable functions to resolve issues and maintain production flow.

Manufacturing Process & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes and assembly methods to enhance production efficiency, product quality, safety, cost, and overall operational performance.
• Apply Lean manufacturing methodologies, including Standardized Work, 5S, Visual Management, one-piece flow, pull systems, and Kanban, to improve production flow and reduce inventory and lead times.
• Support the setup and optimization of production lines for one-piece flow and operation to takt time.
• Perform and support time studies and labor-time tracking to evaluate production performance, validate labor requirements, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Analyze and optimize production-related processes, including production sequencing, material movement and transactions, inventory control, and labor tracking, to improve accuracy and operational efficiency.

Tooling, Fixtures & Production Layout

• Design and develop shop aids, fixtures, tools, and other manufacturing solutions required to support serial production operations.
• Develop and maintain production floor, equipment, and line layouts using AutoCAD to support efficient workflow and manufacturing operations.

New Product Introduction & Project Execution

• Partner with the NPI team to transition new and revised products from development into serial production, ensuring manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and production requirements are appropriately established.
• Track assigned manufacturing projects and improvement initiatives, proactively driving actions to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.

Production Training & General Responsibilities

• Train and provide technical guidance to production operators on manufacturing processes, assembly methods, tooling, fixtures, and changes affecting the proper assembly of products.
• Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related results and supporting manufacturing and operational priorities as needed.
• Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
• Protect the confidentiality of company information, intellectual property, and products.
• Contribute to team efforts by performing other job-related duties and projects as assigned or requested.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned or requested.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.

Experience: Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent.

• Level I: 0–2 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience, preferably within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Level II: 2–5 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience supporting production operations, manufacturing processes, and/or continuous improvement activities.
• Level III: 5+ years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience, with demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot production issues, develop and implement manufacturing solutions, and support complex serial production activities with minimal supervision.

Skills:

• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing and production-line issues, develop practical solutions, and implement improvements with increasing levels of independence.

• Working knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, assembly methods, engineering drawings, and production requirements.

• Proficiency with CATIA V5 for reviewing engineering drawings and supporting the design and development of shop aids, fixtures, and tooling.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for developing and maintaining production line, equipment, and manufacturing floor layouts.

• Experience designing and developing shop aids, fixtures, tools, and other manufacturing solutions to support production operations.

• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing methodologies, including Standardized Work, 5S, Visual Management, one-piece flow, pull systems, and Kanban.

• Understanding of production line setup and optimization, including one-piece flow and operation to takt time.

• Experience performing or supporting time studies, labor-time tracking, and production efficiency analysis.

• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and manufacturing-related software.

• Ability to communicate technical information effectively and provide guidance or training to production operators on manufacturing processes, tooling, and proper assembly methods.

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced serial production environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional partners.

Preferred Skills/ Experience:

• Previous experience supporting serial production within the aerospace or aircraft interiors industry.
• Experience with RiteTime or similar labor-time tracking and production management software.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement certification.

Other:

• May be asked to work extended or irregular hours as required.
• Must show proof of ability to work in the United States.
• Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
• As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

• Level I: Direction with necessary guidance is provided in terms of tasks and objectives and measured based upon how well objectives have been met. Receives detailed instructions as needed.
• Level II: Direction is provided in terms of tasks and objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will autonomously work on routine assembly or designs with frequent status updates with supervisor. Will be provided with additional guidance on more complex or non-routine assemblies.
• Level III: Direction is provided in terms of tasks and objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will work autonomously on any assembly or design with only occasional status updates with supervisor.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

• Level I: N/A
• Level II: N/A
• Level III: May oversee the work of others. Assist in the training and coaching of other team members.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Level I: Uses judgment to make innovative decisions that comply with instructions or pre-determined processes, methods, and/or practices.
• Level II: Uses judgment to plan, perform and make decisions on design and processes within the limits of established boundaries and requirements.
• Level III: Uses considerable judgment to plan and perform complex work. Decisions may involve innovation and ingenuity.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Salary Range Transparency: $90,000 - $120,000 annually

Featured Benefits:

• Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions)
• Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off
• 12 paid holidays
• Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family
• And so much more!

Other Perks:

• On-site gym
• Free electric car charging stations
• Potential for growth within organization
• Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture