Manufacturing Engineer

Rock West Composites is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the development and production of high-performance composite structures for DoD, space, and commercial applications.

This role is responsible for defining and executing manufacturing processes from prototype through production, ensuring products meet requirements for quality, cost, and performance. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Production teams to solve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on role in a small batch, R&D-focused environment, ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced settings and enjoys taking ownership of projects from start to finish.

What You’ll Own

• Manufacturing process development from concept through production
• Creation and control of manufacturing documentation (MBOMs, work instructions, travelers, process specs)
• Product quality, manufacturability, and process efficiency
• Resolution of technical issues on the shop floor
• Continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost, cycle time, and quality

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop and implement manufacturing methods for new and existing products
• Define process flows, material selections, tooling, and fabrication methods
• Support product development from prototype through full production

Documentation & Process Control

• Create and maintain MBOMs, EBOMs, work instructions, travelers, and process specifications
• Ensure manufacturing documentation is accurate, controlled, and production-ready
• Support engineering change implementation and configuration control

Production & Technical Support

• Provide daily support to manufacturing and program teams
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues on the shop floor
• Perform redlines and implement engineering changes to in-process parts
• Address MRB conditions and implement corrective actions

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce cost, improve quality, and shorten cycle times
• Analyze production data to drive efficiency and performance improvements
• Support development of scalable and repeatable manufacturing processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Interface with customers and suppliers to resolve technical issues
• Support bids and proposals with manufacturing input, cost estimates, and feasibility

Training & Mentorship

• Support training initiatives and help develop manufacturing capabilities
• Mentor junior team members as needed

What You Bring

Experience

• 5+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience (composites preferred)
• Experience supporting products from development through production
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and production workflows

Technical Expertise

• Experience with composite manufacturing processes (wet layup, autoclave, RTM, compression molding)
• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality systems
• Experience with inspection methods and data acquisition systems

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Effective communication across technical and non-technical teams

Tools & Systems

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience with CAD/CAM (SolidWorks preferred)
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading and GD&T

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person (due to ITAR requirements)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000
• 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• 8 Paid Holidays + Generous PTO
• $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement

Why Rock West Composites:

At Rock West Composites, you’ll work on cutting-edge composite structures supporting aerospace, space, and defense programs. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of manufacturing processes from prototype through production, solving complex technical challenges in a hands-on, R&D-driven environment. Your work will have a direct impact on product performance, quality, and delivery.

We value engineers who are practical, collaborative, and driven to improve processes and we provide an environment where those contributions are visible and valued.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or for safety-sensitive positions as permitted by law.

Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.