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FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company · 2 days ago

Manufacturing Engineer III

Carson, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$132K/yr - $176K/yr

5+ years exp

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer III to develop and improve manufacturing processes for advanced drone systems in the aerospace and defense sector. This role involves translating engineering designs into efficient manufacturing methods and ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving process improvements and supporting production teams.

AerospaceData Collection and LabelingTransportation

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop, validate, and implement manufacturing and test processes for new and existing UAV systems

Translate engineering designs into efficient, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing methods

Provide DFM and DFT guidance to design engineering teams, ensuring product designs are optimized for manufacturability and testability

Design, procure, and validate production jigs, fixtures, tooling, and automation solutions to improve efficiency and quality

Provide direct support to production teams to resolve process issues, reduce variability, and improve throughput

Collaborate with design engineering to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability and production ramp-up readiness

Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by ensuring process readiness, operator training, and smooth handoff to production

Lead implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, and Kaizen events

Prepare and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation including work instructions, SOPs, PFMEAs, and control plans

Drive the integration of automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance efficiency

Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions to address quality or yield issues

Perform time studies, cost analysis, and capacity planning to support production planning and resource allocation

Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, ITAR, and other aerospace/defense regulatory requirements

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Aerospace manufacturing experienceLean manufacturing principlesCAD software proficiencyProcess validation expertiseAutomation systems experienceStatistical process controlDesign for ManufacturabilityProject management skillsData analysis skillsCommunication skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

5-9 years of aerospace manufacturing engineering experience (UAV, aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing preferred)

Proficiency in CAD and manufacturing software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ERP/MRP systems)

Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods such as machining, composites, assembly, and automation

Expertise in lean manufacturing principles, process validation, and statistical process control

Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and communication skills

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and aerospace standards

Familiarity with Department of Defense and aerospace compliance standards

Experience with automation systems or Industry 4.0 technologies

Preferred

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and PMP preferred

Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

Strong project management and cross-functional leadership experience

Ability to design, implement, and improve manufacturing processes for EVT, DVT, PVT, LRIP, and production volumes

Leading Design for Manufacturing (DFM/DFA) and Design for Assembly assessments

Familiarity with AS9100, IPC-A-610, IPC-620, ISO9001, MIL-STD, FAA guidance, or other aerospace-specific standards

Benefits

Generous annual equity package

Potential bonuses

Company

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company

FlightWave Aerospace is a division of Red Cat, focused on delivering extended short-range, endurance-optimized uncrewed aircraft for mission-critical operations.

Founded in 2014

Santa Monica, California, USA

51-200 employees