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Applied Composites

Manufacturing Engineer 4 (Tooling Design)

Posted 8 Hours Ago
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In-Office
Brea, CA, USA
Expert/Leader
In-Office
Brea, CA, USA
Expert/Leader
Provides senior technical leadership for composite manufacturing, tooling and die design, process development, equipment modification, and new product introduction. Designs complex tooling for autoclave, oven, compression molding, and trim-fixture applications; creates 3D models, drawings, layup patterns, and manufacturing files. Leads process validation, root-cause investigations, corrective actions, audits, and continuous improvement. Mentors engineering and operations personnel while collaborating with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
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Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer with Tool and Die Design Composite Background, who serves as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert in composite tool design, manufacturing processes, production systems, and new product introduction and design across multiple programs and functional organizations.

About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

 Benefits: 

 At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

Applied Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

 

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the technical authority for composite manufacturing processes matrix, tool and die design, equipment modification, and processing systems.
  • Lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and innovative process solutions.
  • Establish manufacturing strategies and roadmaps that support business growth, operational excellence, and new product launches.
  • Provide expert-level Tool Design guidance for Composite Manufacturability Matrix, Process capability, Cost reduction, Producibility, and Risk mitigation.
  • Develop complex 3D models, engineering drawing for composite layups, nesting, overlay patterns and work from CMM point clouds.
  • Design tooling for Autoclave, oven, compression molding and 5 axis Trim fixtures


Technical Support, Development and Skills Sets:

  • Process understanding of prepreg matrix’s, core materials, resin systems, and the thermal expansion properties of tooling materials (invar, carbon fiber, aluminum)
  • CATIA V5, SolidWorks design (minimum 1000 hrs), CAD software a

plus


  • Translate technical drawing/models into functional tooling and interpret multi customer blueprints, specification, GD&T tolerancing and CATIA, CAD and CAM files to accurately create tools, models, dies and 3D print
  • Capable of performing stack up analyses and reverse tool engineering
  • Experience working with CNC machining, “5, 4, 3, Axis equipment”, setup and CMM inspection process using CAD-based Verisurf
  • Able to create layup / laser projection files a plus
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for critical manufacturing, process, and quality issues.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action efforts for tooling complex production challenges.
  • Support customer audits, qualification activities, and technical reviews as required.
  • Experience with manufacturing process validation, PFMEA, control plans, and risk assessment methodologies.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


Communication & Collaboration;

  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Develop executive-level presentations, technical reports, and business cases supporting strategic initiatives.
  • Interface with customers, suppliers, and external partners regarding manufacturing tooling, design technologies, 3-D modeling, and statement of work.
  • Create tooling statement of work


Leadership & Mentorship;

  • Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to fellow team members, Technicians, and Operations personnel.
  • Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the development of engineering standards and training programs.
  • Support succession planning and development of engineering talent.
  • Facilitate technical training related to composite manufacturing processes, equipment, and best practices.


Education:


Bachelor’s degree, engineering or Equivalent in:


Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.


Experience:

  • Requires 8-10+ years of progressive responsibility, manufacturing engineering within the aerospace industry, defense, composite matrix and advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Proficient with CATIA V5, SolidWorks (minimum 1000 hrs), tool design, modeling, CAD software a plus
  • Experience leading major manufacturing improvement initiatives, new product introductions, design, and cross-functional engineering projects.



HQ

Applied Composites Lake Forest, California, USA Office

25671 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, California, United States, 92630 8801

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