Manufacturing Engineer
Leading Technology Composites, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Engineering, Information Technology
Job Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve product quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. This role supports production operations, troubleshoots manufacturing issues, and leads continuous improvement initiatives to ensure reliable and scalable manufacturing systems.
Key Responsibilities
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve product quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. This role supports production operations, troubleshoots manufacturing issues, and leads continuous improvement initiatives to ensure reliable and scalable manufacturing systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, and production workflows.
- Analyze production data to improve throughput, yield, and equipment efficiency.
- Develop and maintain work instructions, production planning, process documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions using root cause analysis methods.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
- Design and implement fixtures, jigs, and tooling to improve manufacturing productivity.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) by evaluating manufacturability and establishing production processes.
- Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and line balancing to improve production efficiency.
- Collaborate with quality teams to ensure compliance with product specifications and regulatory standards, as well as MRB activity (Material Review Board).
- Evaluate new equipment, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies.
- Support plant layout planning and workflow optimization.
- Ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Experience with CAD/Catia software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) for tooling, fixture, or process design. (FiberSim experience would be beneficial)
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, composite fabrication, assembly, or automation.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work).
- Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis techniques.
- Knowledge of process control and quality tools such as:
- PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
- Control Plans
- Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone)
- SPC (Statistical Process Control)
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Ability to analyze manufacturing data using Excel, Minitab, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with industrial automation systems, PLCs, sensors, and robotics (preferred).
- Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and engineering drawings.
- Understanding process validation and capability analysis (Cp/Cpk).
- Experience with equipment qualification, process validation, and production ramp-up is helpful.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- Experience with automation integration or Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Experience supporting high-volume production environments.
- Project management experience.
- Combination of office work and hands-on support on the manufacturing floor.
- May require standing, walking, and occasional lifting while supporting production operations.
About the company
Company website•Defense and Space Manufacturing
Founded in 1993, LTC has for years been a leader in the manufacture and design of composite solutions for our customers. LTC has earned the trust of customers whose names you know: Raytheon, Lockheed-Martin, BAE Systems, Honeywell, Hawker Beechcraft, General Dynamics, Bombardier, Ford, Cessna. In the last two decades of our service to the Personal Protection, Vehicle protection and Aerospace markets, we’ve also earned the trust of many customers you’ve may not have considered or heard of as well. Over the years, all of LTC’s customers whether big or small have learned to rely on our promises, to make business plans based on our schedules, budgets, and standards of quality.