Lead Manufacturing Engineer - CMC Conventional Machining

Job description

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

The  Lead Manufacturing Engineer – CMC Conventional Machining  is 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 the  scale-up of CMC machining processes and technologies  from prototype and early development builds through to full-rate production.
·  Translate engineering requirements and material characteristics into  robust machining process parameters , including speeds/feeds, tooling selection, coolant strategies, and workholding approaches tailored to CMCs.
·  Develop, document, and maintain  detailed process routings, operation sheets, and standard work instructions  to ensure repeatable execution on the shop floor.
·  Define and validate  process limits and control plans  to ensure stability over varying lot sizes, part families, and machine platforms.

Process Qualification and Industrialization

·  Own and execute  process qualification plans  for 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 to  confirm capability to blueprint requirements , including dimensional tolerances, surface finish, burr/edge conditions, and material integrity.
·  Prepare and present  technical documentation, reports, and reviews  to demonstrate process readiness for customer, engineering, and quality approvals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

·  Partner with  design engineering and materials engineering  to influence part design, tolerances, and material specs for manufacturability, cost, and yield.
·  Collaborate with  quality, manufacturing operations, and sourcing  to align process capability with product requirements, inspection plans, and supplier capabilities.
·  Provide technical input to  make/buy and sourcing decisions , particularly for external machining or secondary operations related to CMC components.
·  Participate in  design reviews, producibility assessments, and risk reviews , identifying manufacturing risks and mitigation plans early in the lifecycle.

Equipment, Tooling, and Technology Introduction

·  Work with  equipment OEMs and tooling suppliers  to introduce new machine tools, fixtures, cutting tools, and inspection technologies that enable CMC machining.
·  Define  machine and tooling requirements  (accuracy, stiffness, software, controls, workholding, tool life) to support current and future CMC programs.
·  Lead or support  capital equipment justification , installation, runoff, and acceptance for machining centers and associated inspection equipment.
·  Drive  continuous improvement in machine utilization, tool performance, cycle time, and yield  through systematic trials, data analysis, and optimization.

Shop Floor Technical Support

·  Provide  day-to-day technical support  to 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 the  primary point of contact  for machining-related escalations, coordinating with quality, operations, and engineering to restore stable production.
·  Maintain and improve  process documentation , including routings, NC programs (in collaboration with programming resources), and control plans.

Continuous Improvement and Lean Implementation

·  Lead  kaizen events and value stream improvement projects  focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost for CMC machining value streams.
·  Implement and sustain  visual management, standard work, and 5S  in machining areas to enhance process control and operator engagement.
·  Identify and execute  productivity and cost-out opportunities , including cycle-time reduction, scrap/rework reduction, tool life extensions, and automation where applicable.
·  Utilize  structured problem-solving methodologies  (A3, 8D, DMAIC) and data-driven decision making to prioritize and validate improvements.

Coaching, Training, and Technical Leadership

·  Mentor  manufacturing engineers, NC programmers, and technicians  in best practices for CMC machining, inspection, and process control.
·  Develop and deliver  training materials and on-the-job coaching  to build organizational capability in CMC manufacturing.
·  Lead  technical design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions , ensuring lessons learned are captured, standardized, and leveraged across programs.
·  Act as a  subject 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

· 
Technical Expertise

·  Advanced experience with  CNC machining , including process development, setup, and optimization.
·  Prior hands-on experience with  grinding and milling operations , ideally on complex, high-precision components.
·  Expertise with  Siemens and Fanuc CNC controls , including understanding of machine capabilities, offsets, and integration with CAM/NC programming.
·  Exposure to  GOM/Blue Light Inspection  or similar non-contact metrology systems, including interpretation of point cloud data and comparison to CAD models.
·  Experience in  ceramics or composites manufacturing  (including CMCs, C/C, or advanced composites), with understanding of material behavior under machining and finishing processes.
· 
Leadership and Problem-Solving

·  Demonstrated ability to  lead by influence  in a matrixed, cross-functional environment, driving alignment and decisions across engineering, operations, and quality.
·  Proven  problem-solving skills , using structured tools and data to diagnose issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
·  Effective  team-building and project management skills , with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
· 
Behavioral Attributes

·  Humble : respectful, receptive to feedback, agile, and eager to learn from others; willing to be hands-on in the shop and engage with operators and technicians.
·  Transparent : shares critical information promptly, speaks with candor, and contributes constructively to team discussions and decision making.
·  Collaborative and customer-focused : builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and maintains a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost in all decisions.

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.

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