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Salary: USD 91,800 - 168,300 / annual
Divergent is a Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. They are building an integrated engineering and manufacturing platform that transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions.
As Manufacturing Process Engineer, you will serve as the technical bridge between design/manufacturing engineers and the production team, with core focus on developing scalable, high-reliability automated machining, assembly, and inspection processes. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role essential to delivering high-precision, high-reliability hardware across automotive, aerospace, and defense programs.
Key responsibilities include:
**Operations Support:** Own daily production execution, working directly with the production floor to resolve issues and ensure steady throughput. Develop and implement best practices, processes, strategies, and calibration procedures to improve operational capacity. Monitor utilization and WIP flow through work centers, helping push/pull work to maintain alignment with production targets.
**Technical Execution:** Act as the technical bridge between design/manufacturing engineering and production teams. Lead development, execution, and continuous improvement of machining, automated assembly, automated anodize, inspection, and cleaning work centers. Collaborate on programming for 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis CNC mills using Siemens NX CAM software. Provide feedback using advanced understanding of GD&T, tooling, feeds/speeds, and fixturing. Introduce standardized strategies, programming conventions, and setup documentation to improve consistency and reduce cycle time. Leverage metrology and inspection expertise to drive quality assurance in production.
**Process Development & Scalability:** Lead efforts to integrate new machines, equipment, tools, and fixturing into production; support commissioning. Co-drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) conversations with Manufacturing engineering to improve part manufacturability and reduce complexity at the machine. Develop and implement innovative fixturing strategies tailored for complex additive manufactured geometries. Support integration of automated machining technologies to enhance scalability and precision.
**Continuous Improvement & Documentation:** Analyze data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and root causes of scrap or delays; implement corrective actions and process improvements. Create and maintain detailed documentation to ensure consistency and repeatability across shifts and teams. Collaborate with software and data teams to integrate production metrics and feedback loops into real-time dashboards and planning systems.
The ideal candidate is well versed in aerospace production environments and has direct experience supporting the production floor, DFM, machining, assembly, coating, metrology, and thrives on solving complex shop floor problems.
This is a hands-on position requiring standing for long durations and working directly with hardware on the floor. Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing. Position may require occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work.
**Requirements:**
- Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to US export controls
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense industries
- Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, robotics, coatings, and inspection/quality
- Direct experience with machining, additive manufacturing, coatings, and inspection/quality
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., Siemens NX, AutoCAD)
- Advanced knowledge of CNC machining, structure assembly, GD&T, tooling, and metrology
- Experience evaluating, selecting, and commissioning machines to meet manufacturing capabilities
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to innovate in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Ability to work on multiple projects and initiatives in parallel
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Master's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering
- Experience with robotic machining systems and calibration methodologies
- Experience with manufacturing automation in automotive or aerospace environments
