Manager, Machine Shop

Role Overview

• Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers supporting machine shop operations and act as the primary liaison between the machine shop and the engineering team
• Translate engineering design requirements into formal manufacturing process documentation including raw material definition, fixturing/tooling development, CNC programming strategies, inspection planning, and finishing requirements
• Provide feedback to responsible engineers and ensure the most time-efficient and cost-efficient method of producing components
• Drive continuous process development and improvement with the aim of radically increasing production rate and substantially reducing cost through data analysis, application of best practices, and innovative solutions
• Ensure on time delivery of rocket components from CAD models to tangible components/assemblies ready for testing
• Develop and implement digital work instructions and inspection sheets to guide operators and integrate with quality management systems (QMS)
• Lead the development, test, and qualification of new machining processes and drive equipment commissioning
• Mentor members of the team through investigations of process failures, troubleshooting machining challenges, and drive corrective actions to closure
• Work with Tooling and Programming teams to ensure job readiness and optimize CNC programs using machining modeling and analysis tools
• Manage lookaheads for long lead tasks and work closely with production teams to manage build schedules
• Research new manufacturing methods, production related processes, and materials for improved production efficiency and final product performance
• Be fully accountable for hardware sets and establish clear ownership within the team
• Improve processes and cycle times, implement quick changeover improvements, and drive strategic initiatives to ensure team is operating with the most innovative manufacturing capabilities
• Establish and implement standards for tooling and fixturing design, review, and commissioning
• Own and maintain Manufacturing controls within Firefly's Enterprise Resource Planning software
• Participate in design reviews to drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives, ensure manufacturability of components, and implement lessons learned
• Participate in the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) by developing and validating manufacturing processes and tooling
• Identify issues, work with quality assurance to provide and execute corrective actions, and establish standards for manufacturing readiness reviews and production hand off
• Provide direct floor-support to machine shop for continuous production and train shop floor personnel on new procedures

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, or 7+ years of experience working in a machine shop environment implementing the aforementioned responsibilities
• 7+ years' professional work experience with CNC machining and manufacturing complex components
• 3+ years of engineering leadership experience
• Expert level understanding of GD&T and familiarity with ASME Y14.5
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, high-speed machining techniques, cutting tool technology, and machine tool capabilities
• Experience developing CNC machining programs for metal parts on multi-axis machines
• Experience working with Inconel and other difficult to machine materials
• Experience with CAD software such as Pro-E, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or NX
• Ability to develop CAD models and create engineering drawings per international drawing standards
• Able to read and interpret technical drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Proven mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills in a production environment
• Exceptional people interaction skills and strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Must be a team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A passion for creating, building, and making things happen
• Proven experience with tasks requiring extreme attention to detail and prolonged mental concentration
• Ability to thrive in high stakes, stressful, short deadline environments
• Critical thinking and strong decision making ability
• Demonstrated results with scaling up business operations
• Proven demonstration of acting as process-oriented change agent
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality standards
• Experience writing machining procedures, work instructions, and test plans

Benefits

• Employees of Firefly Aerospace will become a part of a company that aims to innovate and inspire the future of space exploration and technology.
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Work-life balance