Precision Castparts is hiring: Manufacturing Engineer in Santa Ana

Overview

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for optimizing manufacturing processes and driving continuous improvement? We’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team and make a tangible impact on our operations. In this role, you’ll spend approximately 80% of your time on the shop floor, actively solving problems and collaborating with safety teams, manufacturing operators, quality assurance, operations supervisors, and sales. The remaining 20% will be spent in the office, analyzing data, refining processes, and planning improvements. Your expertise will be key to enhancing safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across our operations.

If you’re ready to be hands-on and lead meaningful change, you can be a driving force in our journey toward operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Innovate and Lead: Spearhead process improvements using advanced statistical analysis, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and engineering principles to meet key performance metrics in safety, quality, throughput, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate and Resolve: Lead cross-functional teams to analyze root causes of production issues, implement corrective actions, and monitor results for ongoing performance improvement.
• Streamline and Optimize: Partner with manufacturing, quality, engineering, maintenance, and purchasing teams to manage and streamline production processes for maximum efficiency and minimum cost.
• Ensure Excellence: Define production sequences, inspection criteria, tooling, gauges, and fixtures to ensure products meet or exceed customer specifications.
• Standardize and Enhance: Develop and maintain SOPs that boost safety, quality, productivity, and reduce machine downtime, scrap, and delinquencies.
• Drive Projects: Oversee the planning and execution of capital improvement projects to achieve cost savings and increase throughput.
• Manage Costs: Collaborate with finance and materials management to maintain accurate manufacturing costs, process routings, and bills of materials.
• Train and Guide: Mentor and train production staff on best practices, production procedures, and safety guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
• Collaborate with Suppliers: Work with purchasing and suppliers to enhance process reliability, lower costs, and secure high-quality materials.
• Provide Expertise: Offer technical expertise to resolve production issues and ensure continuous improvement in product and process quality.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of technological advancements and process innovations that could improve manufacturing operations.
• Maintain Equipment: Collaborate with maintenance and manufacturing teams to ensure equipment is properly set, maintained, and calibrated for consistent high-quality production.
• Document Processes: Maintain accurate documentation for all manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Promote Safety: Foster a "Safety 24/7" culture by driving safety initiatives to prevent accidents and ensure a zero-incident environment.
• Other: Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably Mechanical Engineering) and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in metal machining (e.g., header, roll former, chucker, CNC turning, point, shave, stamping, etc.).
• Proficiency in process improvement methodologies; Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• Deep understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and tools, including root cause analysis, demand flow, process design, bills of materials, and Value Stream Mapping.

Required Skills

• Proactive commitment to safety.
• Servant leader mindset—empowers teams, listens actively, and removes barriers.
• Results-driven with the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, with the ability to execute written, verbal, or diagram-based instructions effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety regulations, and operating procedures; effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid mathematical skills, including advanced algebra and geometry in manufacturing applications.
• Competence in reading blueprints, router instructions, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other precision instruments.
• Advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and experience with ERP systems.
• Experience with inspection equipment such as micrometers, comparators, dial calipers and optical inspection systems.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Aviation & Aerospace