Aero Structures Engineering Manager

Davis Machine- Aero Structures Engineering Manager- Machining Focus

Pay: $100,000-$135,000

Company Overview

Davis Machine is a precision aerospace manufacturer serving commercial and military customers from our facility in Euless, Texas. Since 1952, we have built a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction by producing complex machined components and assemblies for some of the world's leading aerospace organizations.

At Davis Machine, our employees are the foundation of our success. We are committed to providing a safe, team-oriented workplace where employees are empowered to grow, contribute, and take pride in delivering exceptional products to our customers.

Position Summary

The Aero Structures Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all engineering activities within precision aerospace machining and assembly operation. This position provides technical leadership and strategic direction for manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, process development, new product introduction, program management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Aero Structures Engineering Manager will work closely with customers, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with aerospace quality and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience supporting aerospace OEM and Tier 1 customers including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Bell. This individual will lead a team of engineers and technical professionals while driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead and manage Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, Process Engineering, and Technical Support teams & LEAN optimization personnel.
• Develop manufacturing processes for complex aerospace machining and assembled components.
• Provide technical oversight for CNC programming, tooling strategies, fixture design, and process optimization.
• Manage engineering support for production operations, ensuring efficient and cost-effective manufacturing methods.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
• Apply advanced GD&T principles to manufacturing, inspection planning, and process development activities.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and transition programs from quotation through production launch.
• Develop project schedules, resource plans, and milestones using Microsoft Project.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of customer programs.
• Support estimating and quoting activities by developing manufacturing plans, cycle times, labor estimates, tooling requirements, and cost models.
• Interface directly with customers regarding technical issues, program status, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer-specific requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to quality and production issues.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate engineering personnel to build a high-performing technical organization.
• Establish engineering metrics and KPIs to measure departmental performance and effectiveness.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering leadership experience managing technical engineering teams.
• Strong background in aerospace precision machining, assembly, and manufacturing processes. including tooling, materials, heat treat & associated processes.
• Demonstrated experience working with major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 customers including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Bell.
• 3-5 years Extensive knowledge and programming capability of CNC machining processes and CNC programming.
• 2+ Years Demonstrated CAD/CAM software including Mastercam, NX, CATIA, ESPRIT or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proven experience in program management and new product introduction that is customer facing.
• Proficiency in estimating, quoting, and cost analysis for aerospace manufacturing programs. (Please be prepared to demonstrate)
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred.
• Experience supporting complex multi-axis CNC machining operations.
• 2+ Years operating complex CNC multi axis machines.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Eight Paid Holidays