Lead Mechanical Engineer | Aerospace & Defense | Cincinnati, OH

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Schedule: Four 10-hour days per week

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Industry: Aerospace and Defense

Travel: Occasional

Relocation Assistance: Possible for an exceptional candidate

Visa Sponsorship: Not available

Security: U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance required

Position Overview

An aerospace and defense organization is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to lead, develop and resource a multidisciplinary team of engineers and designers.

This position combines people and technical leadership with hands-on responsibility for design integrity, performance and compliance of specialized defense products. The successful candidate will support new-product development, product sustainment and manufacturing issue resolution within an AS9100/ISO 9001 environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop mechanical engineers and designers.

• Support hiring, workforce planning, performance management and team development.

• Own design integrity, product performance and technical compliance.

• Lead mechanical design decisions across new-product and legacy-product programs.

• Develop designs to customer specifications, internal standards and industry requirements.

• Apply GD&T, dimensional stack-up and tolerance analysis.

• Perform calculations and collaborate on FEA, thermal, shock, vibration and acceleration analysis.

• Develop and execute design-verification strategies.

• Present technical material during internal and customer design reviews.

• Support manufacturing and quality teams with troubleshooting, nonconformance resolution and corrective action.

• Improve engineering processes, standards and best practices.

• Provide estimates and technical content for proposals and RFPs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least nine years of relevant experience; graduate degree with at least seven years; or at least 13 years of relevant experience without a degree.

• Significant mechanical product-design and development experience.

• Experience leading, mentoring and developing engineers or designers.

• Strong 3D CAD experience using Solid Edge, SolidWorks, NX or comparable software.

• Expert application of GD&T under ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100.

• Professional dimensional stack-up and tolerance-analysis experience.

• Experience supporting manufacturing, production and quality functions.

• Strong technical presentation, communication and problem-solving skills.

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain the required clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

• Active Department of Defense Secret clearance.

• Strong mechanics, vibration, fatigue and thermal-analysis fundamentals.

• FEA and physical test-validation experience.

• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.

• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on any status protected by applicable law.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Aerospace & Defense | Elma Center, NY

Position: Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Elma Center, New York, United States
Travel: Occasionally
Employment Type: Full-Time
Base Salary:  USD $90,000 to $145,000

About the Role

Our client, a leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support the Prismatic (Complex Milling) Manufacturing Group. This position focuses on developing new manufacturing processes, optimizing existing production programs, and driving continuous improvement efforts.

This role combines hands-on shop interaction with office-based assignments, requiring technical expertise, innovative thinking, and project leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement new and emerging manufacturing technologies.

• Lead Design for Manufacturing efforts for new and existing programs.

• Develop manufacturing procedures, operation sequences, tooling, and gauge lists.

• Create and prove out CNC programs and detailed work instructions for complex milled parts.

• Support and enhance existing production processes with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Prepare and update engineered time standards, economic run quantities, and cost estimates.

• Oversee capital equipment evaluation, purchasing, and implementation.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, technicians, operations, and quality personnel.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other engineers.

• Support automated manufacturing cells and drive process stability to reduce human factor variation.

• Handle project leadership responsibilities as assigned by the Group Lead or Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience with milled parts.

• At least 5 years of hands-on CNC machining experience.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM and G&M Code programming (Siemens NX preferred).

• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, and automation tooling.

• Expertise in 5-axis machining center programming.

• Familiarity with a variety of aerospace materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.).

• Blueprint reading and GD&T proficiency.

Additional Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

• Leadership in developing automated and advanced manufacturing systems.

• Experience in lean manufacturing and standardized work methodologies (Lean certification is a plus).

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• A progressive thinker and self-starter, eager to advance methodologies and technologies.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Ability to mentor others and lead by example.

Benefits of Joining Our Client

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits starting on day one.

• Flexible planned vacation.

• 401K with matching, profit sharing, and employee stock purchase options.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Inclusive company culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.

This position requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency due to export-controlled information access.

Take the opportunity to join a cutting-edge organization and contribute to the development of innovative manufacturing processes that support critical aerospace and defense applications.