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Salary: USD 80,000 - 105,000 / annual
Laborup is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to join their aerospace and defense manufacturing operation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is a core production role focused on designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for large, complex CNC-machined components and fabricated assemblies used in mission-critical aerospace, defense, and energy systems.
You will own how work gets done across the operation—from process development and machining strategy to real-time problem-solving on the shop floor. This is not a support function; you will drive continuous improvement, troubleshoot production issues directly with machinists and operators, and implement practical solutions that reduce cycle times, scrap, and inefficiencies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and refining manufacturing processes for complex machined and fabricated components, including setups, tooling, workholding, and process flow
- Translating engineering drawings into executable shop-floor plans
- Identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in cycle times, setups, and workflows to improve throughput and consistency
- Working directly with machinists and operators to troubleshoot tooling challenges, tolerance issues, and process breakdowns
- Partnering with programming, quality, and production teams to ensure smooth execution and support new job launches from first article through production
- Taking initiative to identify gaps in processes and workflows, contributing to tooling, fixturing, and process standardization efforts
- Growing into ownership of larger production scopes over time
The company emphasizes that this is an intentionally open-ended role with a clear path into senior engineering or operational leadership for the right person.
REQUIREMENTS:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, or relevant high-level co-op/internship experience
- Strong problem-solving ability and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment and collaborate directly with shop floor teams
- Interest in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing
Preferred:
- Experience in CNC machining or production environments (mills, lathes, or multi-axis)
- Familiarity with engineering drawings and GD&T
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar
- Exposure to high-mix, low-volume or complex manufacturing environments
- Experience supporting process improvement, tooling, or production operations
