Job Description Summary
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and scaling machining processes and technologies that enable the safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manufacture of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) components for aircraft engines and other aerospace applications.
Job Description
TheLead Manufacturing Engineer – CMC Conventional Machiningis a key technical leader responsible for developing, industrializing, and continuously improving machining processes for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components. This role spans the full lifecycle from prototype development through rate production, with a strong focus on process capability, quality, and operational stability. You will work cross-functionally with design, materials, quality, sourcing, and shop operations to enable safe, on-time, and cost-effective delivery of CMC hardware.
Duties and Responsibilities
Process Development and Scale-Up
- Lead thescale-up of CMC machining processes and technologiesfrom prototype and early development builds through to full-rate production.
- Translate engineering requirements and material characteristics intorobust machining process parameters, including speeds/feeds, tooling selection, coolant strategies, and workholding approaches tailored to CMCs.
- Develop, document, and maintaindetailed process routings, operation sheets, and standard work instructionsto ensure repeatable execution on the shop floor.
- Define and validateprocess limits and control plansto ensure stability over varying lot sizes, part families, and machine platforms.
Process Qualification and Industrialization
- Own and executeprocess qualification plansfor CMC machining operations, including:
- Development builds and machining trials
- Machine and process capability studies (,, GR&R, etc.)
- First Article Inspections (FAIs) and production readiness reviews
- Analyze machining performance data toconfirm capability to blueprint requirements, including dimensional tolerances, surface finish, burr/edge conditions, and material integrity.
- Prepare and presenttechnical documentation, reports, and reviewsto demonstrate process readiness for customer, engineering, and quality approvals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner withdesign engineering and materials engineeringto influence part design, tolerances, and material specs for manufacturability, cost, and yield.
- Collaborate withquality, manufacturing operations, and sourcingto align process capability with product requirements, inspection plans, and supplier capabilities.
- Provide technical input tomake/buy and sourcing decisions, particularly for external machining or secondary operations related to CMC components.
- Participate indesign reviews, producibility assessments, and risk reviews, identifying manufacturing risks and mitigation plans early in the lifecycle.
Equipment, Tooling, and Technology Introduction
- Work withequipment OEMs and tooling suppliersto introduce new machine tools, fixtures, cutting tools, and inspection technologies that enable CMC machining.
- Definemachine and tooling requirements(accuracy, stiffness, software, controls, workholding, tool life) to support current and future CMC programs.
- Lead or supportcapital equipment justification, installation, runoff, and acceptance for machining centers and associated inspection equipment.
- Drivecontinuous improvement in machine utilization, tool performance, cycle time, and yieldthrough systematic trials, data analysis, and optimization.
Shop Floor Technical Support
- Provideday-to-day technical supportto machining operations, including:
- Troubleshooting process issues and nonconformances
- Resolving dimensional discrepancies, surface defects, and tool wear issues
- Supporting root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (RCCA/CA/PA)
- Serve as theprimary point of contactfor machining-related escalations, coordinating with quality, operations, and engineering to restore stable production.
- Maintain and improveprocess documentation, including routings, NC programs (in collaboration with programming resources), and control plans.
Continuous Improvement and Lean Implementation
- Leadkaizen events and value stream improvement projectsfocused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost for CMC machining value streams.
- Implement and sustainvisual management, standard work, and 5Sin machining areas to enhance process control and operator engagement.
- Identify and executeproductivity and cost-out opportunities, including cycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, tool life extensions, and automation where applicable.
- Utilizestructured problem-solving methodologies(A3, 8D, DMAIC) and data-driven decision making to prioritize and validate improvements.
Coaching, Training, and Technical Leadership
- Mentormanufacturing engineers, NC programmers, and techniciansin best practices for CMC machining, inspection, and process control.
- Develop and delivertraining materials and on-the-job coachingto build organizational capability in CMC manufacturing.
- Leadtechnical design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions, ensuring lessons learned are captured, standardized, and leveraged across programs.
- Act as asubject matter expert (SME)in CMC machining for internal stakeholders, providing guidance on new part introductions, process changes, and technology roadmaps.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (or a high school diploma/GED with a minimum of 4 years manufacturing experience)
- Minimum of 3 years additional manufacturing experience, preferably in a machining or precision manufacturing environment
Desired Characteristics
GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.
GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
#LI-EDRICH
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
