Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Senior Manufacturing & Process Engineer

• Assess existing production processes, identify bottlenecks, reduce cycle times, eliminate waste, and implement Lean/Six Sigma continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Lead complex troubleshooting for internal and external quality escapes, utilizing root cause analysis methods (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D, CAPA) to implement permanent and robust solutions in collaboration with the Quality team.
• Author, revise, and continuously improve robust process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), Manufacturing Process Specifications, and Control Plans within the ERP system.
• Lead and maintain Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities to proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
• Oversee process validation protocols and ensure all engineering processes and documentation comply with applicable industry standards including MIL-DTL, IPC/WHMA-A-620, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.

• Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert (SME) during customer meetings, design reviews, technical audits, and engineering site visits.
• Collaborate directly with customer engineering teams on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback to ensure smooth transitions during the New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and manufacturing engineers, elevating the technical capability of the team through hands-on coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Support the commercial team by providing timely and accurate technical input, labor estimates, and process recommendations to improve quote quality and turnaround.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in process or manufacturing engineering within a high-precision or regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace, defense, or space applications preferred). Start up experience 
• Industry Domain: High-precision or regulated manufacturing environment. Familiarity with cable assembly design, manufacturing processes, connector systems, and testing protocols including MIL-DTL specifications is highly desired. Understanding of industry workmanship standards including IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001. Experience working under AS9100 and ISO9001 quality management systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to ITAR regulations.

• Certifications: IPC certification is strongly preferred. Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
• Systems Proficiency: Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP systems; Syspro experience is a plus. Systems used: Google Workspace, SmartView, Salesforce, ADP, Syspro, QMS, Planful, and AwardCo.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated mastery of Lean Manufacturing tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, Poka-Yoke). Proven track record of leading technical presentations, managing client expectations, and handling customer-driven design and production reviews. Exceptional technical writing skills. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex engineering concepts across all levels of the organization, including customers and program teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. In addition to federal law requirements, Winchester Interconnect complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Winchester Interconnect expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.