Lead Manufacturing Engineer - CMC Conventional Machining

GE Aerospace • Evendale, OH

2d

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees