Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support and implement a Lean Manufacturing operational mindset within the Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA). on-site in Madison, AL. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will drive operational excellence by leading safe, cost-effective initiatives for new equipment justifications, tooling requirements, and plant layout optimizations. This adaptable, hands-on, self-starter technical expert will be a catalyst for change, leveraging leadership and influence to persuade and motivate teams toward adopting new methodologies while providing hands-on coaching to production staff. This role is critical in spearheading new product implementation, ensuring all engineering designs are scalable and manufacturable by recommending critical design-for-manufacturability (DFM) enhancements. This position will require a background check and must have the ability to obtain & maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War. We're seeking the following in a Senior Manufacturing Engineer: * Proven track record of product launches in a manufacturing environment * Proficient ability to independently determine and develop an approach to solutions * Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization * High proficiency with creating and controlling production documentation (routings, work instructions, process flows, PFMEAs, and control plans) * Proficiency in identifying manufacturing production cell / plant layout opportunities to optimize and streamline assembly operations to reduce inefficiencies in labor and rework * In-depth experience troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues * High proficiency in evaluating and determining manufacturing constraints, capacity, and required resources across the production environment * In-depth experience and practice with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) * Skilled experience identifying and implementing operational metrics and Lean Manufacturing concepts to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS) * Ability to develop concept of operations (CONOPs) to define the build sequence, workflow, and optimize production * Intermediate proficiency using SOLIDWORKS CAD software and SOLIDWORKS PDM * Intermediate proficiency using Excel to analyze data * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 8+ years relevant work experience; OR In lieu of a degree, a H.S. diploma and 12+ years' experience as Manufacturing Engineer in a DoW manufacturing field * Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required * Ability to perform work which requires sitting, sitting for long periods of time, pushing, pulling, standing, standing for long periods of time, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, hold and move items with hand(s), multilimbed coordination, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, vision for close and distance and must be able to lift up to 50lbs individually, 50lbs or more with assistance Wish List/Nice if You have: * Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of Defense * Lean Manufacturing or Quality Certifications * Familiarity with defense manufacturing industry * Experience with ERP - Deltek Costpoint Who is ARA? Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics. * Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to: ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees' needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at Interested? Please apply at for the Senior Manufacturing Engineer position. #LI-AB1

Created: 2026-04-02