Manufacturing Engineer

This range is provided by KCG Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $120,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr Direct message the job poster from KCG Search Aerospace & Defense Manufacturer in Santa Ana is looking for a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join the team. This person will play a critical role in supporting aerospace and defense machining operations from the quoting stage through production and quality. This position requires a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise in precision CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis work, who can bridge quoting, process development, and quality assurance. The ideal candidate will develop and optimize manufacturing processes, ensure compliance with AS9100D standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives that align with customer, regulatory, and defense-aerospace requirements. Key Responsibilities Provide technical input and cost analysis during the quoting process, including time studies and manufacturing method recommendations Develop, document, and optimize machining processes for complex aerospace and defense components (3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning) Create and maintain job travelers, routings, work instructions, and process documentation Collaborate with programming, production, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with customer specifications Support new product introduction (NPI), tooling design/selection, and process validation Drive continuous improvement in cycle times, tooling utilization, setup reduction, and throughput Ensure processes meet AS9100D, ITAR, and customer quality requirements Provide technical support during first-article inspections (FAI) and production readiness reviews Act as a liaison between quoting, production, and quality to resolve issues and improve performance Support corrective actions, root cause analysis, and problem-solving activities related to machining and quality Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience 5+ years of experience in precision aerospace machining (aerospace & defense environment strongly preferred) Proven knowledge of CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and turning Strong understanding of GD&T, aerospace blueprints, and tight-tolerance machining requirements Experience with quoting, cost estimation, and process planning Familiarity with AS9100D/ISO 9001 quality systems and aerospace/defense compliance requirements Hands-on problem-solving skills, with experience in root cause and corrective action methodologies Proficiency in CAD/CAM and ERP/MRP systems (Sage 100 experience a plus) Preferred Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) in aerospace machining Knowledge of ITAR, defense contracts, and customer FAI requirements Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and quality teams Strong communication and presentation skills for both technical and customer-facing situations Seniority level Seniority level Associate Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Engineering and Manufacturing Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at KCG Search by 2x Inferred from the description for this job Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Get notified about new Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Santa Ana, CA . 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