Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Wichita, KS | Onsite | Direct Hire | Aerospace Manufacturing

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Sky Limit Systems is partnering with a growing aerospace manufacturer in Wichita, Kansas to hire a hands-on Senior Manufacturing Engineer. This is not a placeholder role. Our client needs an engineer who can step in and immediately contribute to new product introductions, manufacturing process development, and shop floor execution.

The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace manufacturing expertise, sharp technical problem-solving, and the ability to own complex projects from engineering release through production, working closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations to meet customer quality, delivery, and cost goals.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Review customer drawings, models, specifications, and requirements to build manufacturing plans and production strategies

- Lead manufacturing engineering for new product introductions (NPI), moving products efficiently from design to production

- Develop and maintain routers, process plans, work instructions, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)

- Create visual work instructions and manufacturing documentation

- Use CATIA V5 and/or other industry-standard CAD tools to evaluate designs and develop manufacturing methods

- Provide daily technical support on the shop floor and troubleshoot production challenges

- Investigate and resolve non-conformances; drive corrective actions and process improvements

- Partner with customers, design engineers, quality, and suppliers to improve manufacturability

- Evaluate tooling, fixturing, equipment, and processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency

- Support quoting by reviewing technical requirements, methods, labor estimates, and materials

- Analyze production metrics and engineering data to drive continuous improvement and cost reduction

- Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

WHAT YOU BRING

- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline (required)

- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, or another highly regulated environment

- Proven success supporting NPI and transitioning designs into production

- Strong background developing processes, work instructions, routings, and production documentation

- Experience with fabrication, machining, precision sheet metal, assembly, bonded structures, or related aerospace processes

- Advanced ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, BOMs, and routers

- Proficiency in CATIA V5 (other CAD systems considered)

- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, aerospace materials, and production workflows

- Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel

NICE TO HAVE

- AS9100 or similar quality management system experience

- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement experience

WHO THRIVES HERE

- Self-directed engineers who manage multiple projects with minimal supervision

- Clear communicators who work well with customers, suppliers, leadership, and the shop floor

- Detail-oriented problem-solvers who make sound engineering decisions in a production environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Mix of office and manufacturing floor. Regular exposure to production equipment and typical shop noise levels. PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.) required. Occasional handling of tooling, fixtures, and production hardware.