DRS NPS has an immediate need for a Manufacturing Engineer to provide direct engineering support to specialized manufacturing operations in our Fitchburg, MA location. This person is responsible for Lean manufacturing process flow, design/development of production tools, and creation of detailed work instructions. Additionally, this person would work directly with manufacturing department personnel on training and production readiness. He/she will work closely with engineering, program management, supply chain and manufacturing to achieve objectives in a fast paced and dynamic environment. Assignments can range from new product proposal support to new product DFx and introduction to sustainment and continuous improvement of existing product lines.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Lean manufacturing process flow to support product lines in a low volume, high mix environment.
• Develop detailed work instructions that meet product quality, customer, and contractual requirements in a defense contract environment.
• Provide direct engineering support to manufacturing operations.
• Define tooling and fixturing requirements and work directly with the CAD design team to develop, manufacture, and commission in support of manufacturing operations.
• Development of manufacturing operations including factory layout and workflow using Lean manufacturing techniques and principles.
• Evaluate, recommend, and transition products from design to manufacturing to minimize production costs using Design for Manufacturing (DFx) and Lean process flow approach.
• Maintain and improve manufacturing process documentation necessary to effectively communicate design intent to manufacturing personnel.
• Lead Kaizen events, 6S advancement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead problem solving activities using problem solving techniques such as 8D, 5Y, Ishikawa to perform RCCA.
• Contribute to customer relationships.
• Has initiative and able to work effectively with little direction seeking general guidance on new assignments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field with 5 years applicable engineering experience or equivalent combination of education/training and experience
• Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics
• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain a security clearance is required.

Additional Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Broad understanding of electro-mechanical and mechanical equipment
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
• Experience with motor assembly techniques such as winding, insulation and VPI
• Experience or knowledge with machining, large fabrications, and castings
• Welding, brazing, and NDT processes
• Overhead bridge crane and rigging experience or knowledge
• Able to visualize and comprehend manufacturing equipment or tooling problems and understand the interrelationships of factors affecting the situation.
• Lean/Six-Sigma experience/training/certification
• Interpersonal and communication skills needed to positively influence production processes
• Detail oriented with a desire to be hands-on
• Ability to learn new skills quickly and assume additional responsibilities
• Must possess strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Strong knowledge of personal computer software tools like MS Excel and Word
• Knowledge of Solid Works or other 3D modeling program