Manufacturing Engineer 2

Seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 2 to support, build, optimize, and sustain the production capability and operational mindset within the Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division at Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) on-site in Madison, AL.  As a Manufacturing Engineer 2, you’ll support the focus on improving production processes, develop tooling using CAD software, create clear work instructions and cost-effective innovative manufacturing solutions.

Every day, you’ll work directly with management, engineering, prog./project managers and technician staff regarding manufacturing capabilities to develop clear and efficient workflows that convert engineering designs into delivered products.

The Manufacturing Engineer 2 will govern changes to manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and documentation to maintain process stability and configuration control.

This role is instrumental in driving production excellence through manufacturing engineering expertise and operational process development working closely with Operations and Design Engineering.

This position will require at minimum the ability to obtain & maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War.

Must pass a National Background Check.

We're seeking the following in a Manufacturing Engineer 2:


* Proven track record in manufacturing environment product launches


* Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience and practice


* Identify manufacturing production cell / plant layout opportunities to determine the optimal layouts and streamline assembly operations to reduce inefficiencies in labor and rework


* Experience evaluating manufacturing constraints, capacity, and required resources across the production environment


* Provide redline support to engineering drawings to resolve manufacturing discrepancies


* Experience in providing design and manufacturing guidance for job aids, weld jigs, alignment jigs, fixtures, and tooling that improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency


* Identify and resolve manufacturability issues arising on the shop floor, collaborating with Operations and Design Engineering to develop robust solutions


* Ability to own and govern the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (mBOM) and/or Bill of Process throughout the entire product lifecycle


* Experience identifying and implementing operational metrics and  concepts to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS)


* Ability to develop concept of operations (CONOPs) that define the build sequence, workflow, and optimize production


* Production documentation (production flow diagram, work instructions, FMEAs and control plans) creation experience


* Proven experience in process mapping, lean manufacturing, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving


* Experience using SOLIDWORKS CAD software


* Assist in troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues to ensure smooth production operations


* Excellent verbal ...