We are searching for Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, digital manufacturing, and new product introduction (NPI). This hands-on leadership role will guide complex, flight-critical components from customer drawings and models through first-article acceptance and stable production. The successful candidate will improve production readiness, shorten NPI lead times, strengthen programming and verification standards, and develop a high-performing technical team. The position offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact on manufacturing performance while building a long-term digital manufacturing strategy that can support multiple facilities. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Engineering & CNC Programming • Lead manufacturing engineers, methods engineers, CNC programmers, and supporting technical resources. • Translate customer drawings, CATIA models, specifications, and technical requirements into controlled, production-ready manufacturing processes. • Guide complex milling, turning, mill-turn, and multi-axis machining strategies for aerospace materials and precision components. • Establish and maintain CATIA CAM standards, reusable programming methods, tooling libraries, postprocessor practices, setup documentation, and program release controls. • Strengthen CNC verification using VERICUT or equivalent software, including accurate machine, fixture, stock, tool, and holder models. • Improve cycle times, setups, machine utilization, and process capability while maintaining quality and customer requirements. New Product Introduction & Production Readiness • Lead engineering activities from design transfer through first-article approval and production launch. • Establish clear NPI milestones, readiness reviews, project ownership, and escalation procedures. • Prioritize projects based on customer commitments, material availability, machine capacity, and technical risk. • Coordinate programming, tooling, fixture development, inspection planning, and operator preparation during material lead times. • Reduce scrap, rework, and proof-out risk through simulation, technical reviews, and documented corrective actions. • Evaluate additive manufacturing applications for fixtures, prototypes, and surrogate parts that support process development and validation. Digital Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement • Develop and execute a multiyear digital manufacturing roadmap connecting engineering models, process plans, CNC programs, verification, inspection, and actual production costs. • Capture machining expertise in controlled standards, libraries, and reusable part-family methods. • Evaluate automation and AI-assisted tools for programming, knowledge management, and manufacturing estimating, with appropriate technical review and approval. • Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Finance, and IT to improve manufacturing performance. • Develop business cases for software, simulation, additive manufacturing, and automation investments. • Support consistent engineering practices and knowledge sharing across facilities. Team & Customer Leadership • Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans for the engineering team. • Build a culture of accountability, timely problem-solving, technical discipline, and continuous improvement. • Serve as a customer-facing technical leader for manufacturability, process readiness, validation, corrective action, and recovery planning. • Manage outside technical resources while maintaining internal ownership of standards, approvals, and manufacturing knowledge. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated accomplishments will be considered. • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace, defense, precision machining, or advanced manufacturing, including technical leadership. • Strong practical expertise in CATIA manufacturing and CAM workflows, including production programming and machining process development. • Experience with VERICUT or equivalent independent NC verification and machine simulation tools. • Demonstrated experience leading NPI, first-article activities, manufacturing readiness, or production launches for complex metallic components. • Advanced understanding of CNC machining, multi-axis process development, tooling, fixtures, workholding, and controlled program release. • Knowledge of GD&T, CMM inspection, on-machine probing, special processes, process validation, and AS9100 manufacturing environments. • Proven ability to manage competing priorities involving customer deadlines, material constraints, and machine capacity. • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with operators, programmers, customers, and senior leadership. • Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. • Eligibility to access export-controlled technical data and work within the required controlled environment, as determined by applicable regulations and contract requirements. Preferred Qualifications • Experience manufacturing landing gear, actuation systems, rotorcraft components, structural parts, turbine-engine components, or comparable flight-critical hardware. • Experience implementing CATIA templates, knowledgeware, feature-based programming, or automated manufacturing workflows. • Advanced VERICUT configuration or machining optimization experience. • Familiarity with model-based definition, digital manufacturing, digital twins, MES/ERP integration, or Industry 4.0 initiatives. • Practical experience using additive manufacturing for tooling, fixtures, work aids, or NPI development. • Experience improving manufacturing estimates using historical setup, cycle-time, tooling, inspection, and cost data. • Experience establishing engineering standards, shared technical