Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering - ...

Job Description Summary The Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering for Composites will provide essential technical, people, and strategic leadership for composite structures manufacturing within GE Aerospace. This pivotal role oversees a team of manufacturing engineers dedicated to the safe, compliant, and efficient production of aerospace composite hardware across various phases including development, industrialization, and sustained operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on expertise in aerospace composite processes and tooling configuration control, paired with the ability to implement enterprise-scale strategies and foster continuous improvement and talent development within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Safety, Quality, Delivery & Cost (SQDC) Leadership Lead composite manufacturing engineering activities with an unwavering commitment to Safety and Quality while achieving cost, delivery, and production rate goals. Act as the primary technical escalation point for critical manufacturing, tooling, and quality issues that affect certified aerospace hardware. Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA regulations, internal GE standards, and product certification requirements. Promote GE Aerospace FLIGHT DECK operating principles to drive standard work practices, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement initiatives. Technical & Manufacturing Leadership (Hands-On) Serve as the technical expert in composite manufacturing processes such as hand layup, AFP/ATL, resin infusion, RTM, autoclave curing, compression molding, and bonded assemblies. Lead development, validation, and production readiness activities for both new and existing aerospace programs. Review and approve manufacturing plans, process specifications, work instructions, and engineering modifications. Lead structured root cause analyses (PFMEA, RCCA) to address non-conformances, escapes, yield losses, and tooling issues. Tooling Engineering, Configuration Control & GD&T Develop and maintain the strategy for composite tooling engineering, including molds, cure tooling, fixtures, and automated manufacturing systems. Ensure strict compliance with tooling configuration control, encompassing tool definition, revision management, and alignment with product configuration baselines. Lead qualification processes for tooling, first article inspections (FAI), and ongoing tool health assessments. Apply and enforce GD&T (ASME Y14.5) principles for composite parts and tooling to ensure quality and manufacturability. Collaborate with design engineering to optimize tool design in relation to performance, manufacturability, and lifecycle costs. Plant & Equipment (P&E) Strategy and Execution Direct the manufacturing engineering aspects of P&E strategy to support both current production and future growth in composite manufacturing. Establish equipment capability requirements, capacity models, and production readiness plans based on demand forecasts. Collaborate with Operations, Facilities, and Finance to create capital investment cases for new equipment and facilities upgrades. Provide technical oversight for the selection, specification, procurement, installation, and qualification of P&E. Ensure all equipment complies with safety, quality, and regulatory standards while being integrated into standard work processes. Drive improvements in equipment reliability and lifecycle management based on data evaluation and obsolescence planning. Support long-term site planning to enable new product introductions and cost competitiveness. Organizational & People Leadership Lead and nurture a multi-level manufacturing engineering team, including senior engineers and tooling managers. Establish clear technical standards and decision-making frameworks within composite manufacturing. Drive recruitment, succession planning, and capability development aligned with GE Aerospace's production and growth strategy. Foster a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement aligned with GE Aerospace values. Program & Cross-Functional Leadership Act as the primary composites manufacturing engineering liaison to Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations. Provide leadership for key program milestones like design reviews, production readiness evaluations, and manufacturing rate assessments. Support supplier selection and qualification for composite materials and tooling. Influence manufacturing strategies and decisions regarding make/buy options across the production floor. Strategy, Scale & Continuous Improvement Define and implement a long-term strategy for composites manufacturing encompassing automation, advanced inspection, and digital initiatives. Lead capital investment planning for tooling, equipment, and facilities to drive production ramp and cost-reduction goals. Promote Lean and continuous improvement initiatives while upholding aerospace safety and quality standards. Establish metrics to gauge engineering effectiveness and organizational health. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related field). 5+ years experience leading engineering teams in a regulated aerospace environment. Proven expertise in composite materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, and inspection practices. Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and its application to composite components. Demonstrated experience with tooling configuration control and aerospace change management procedures. Proven track record in supporting certified aerospace production and ramp-up. Willingness to engage in on-site manufacturing operations and occasional travel as necessary. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of experience in aerospace composite manufacturing engineering. Experience with automated composite fabrication and digital initiatives. Familiarity with PFMEA, SPC, MRB, FAI, and advanced quality systems. Key Leadership Attributes Strong technical judgment and proactive mindset. Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed environment. Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. Effective communication skills with executive, engineering, and shop-floor teams. A continuous improvement and customer-focused approach. GE Aerospace offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your overall well-being, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a health coach; and an Employee Assistance Program that offers 24/7 confidential support. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching, and additional contributions. Benefits also include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and generous paid time off. Please note, this role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment is contingent upon meeting the status of a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. law.

Created: 2026-03-04