Full job description:

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer to strengthen manufacturing process development, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement at our aerospace and defense manufacturing facility in Baja California, Mexico.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished manufacturing engineer with extensive experience personally developing, optimizing, validating, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes using Lean Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and advanced engineering methodologies. This is not a traditional manufacturing management, operations management, or quality assurance management position.

We are looking for a technical expert who enjoys working directly on the production floor, solving complex manufacturing problems, conducting experiments, analyzing process variation, and implementing measurable improvements.

Equally important is the ability to lead by example, mentor engineers and technicians, develop critical-thinking skills, and strengthen the organization’s independent problem-solving capabilities.

Our facility operates within an established AS9100D quality management system. The principal opportunity is to improve manufacturing process capability, technical competence, process discipline, and consistent execution.

Success will be measured by technical achievements, sustainable manufacturing improvements, and the development of stronger engineering capabilities—not by the number of people managed or budgets controlled.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Development & Improvement

  • Personally develop, optimize, troubleshoot, and validate manufacturing processes.
  • Identify critical process parameters, sources of variation, and factors affecting product quality and consistency.
  • Design and execute engineering experiments and process optimization studies.
  • Improve manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, process controls, and work instructions.
  • Establish robust, repeatable manufacturing processes with defined operating parameters and acceptance criteria.
  • Work directly with engineers, technicians, and operators to resolve production problems and implement technical solutions.

Lean Six Sigma & Statistical Process Engineering

  • Personally lead and execute Lean Six Sigma projects with measurable and sustainable results.
  • Apply DOE, SPC, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R, PFMEA, and statistical analysis to understand and improve manufacturing processes.
  • Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies, including DMAIC, 8D, and root-cause analysis.
  • Implement practical Lean improvements involving waste reduction, standard work, mistake-proofing, process flow, and productivity.
  • Analyze manufacturing data using Minitab, JMP, or equivalent statistical software.
  • Validate improvements and establish effective monitoring and control methods.

Technical Mentorship & Manufacturing Discipline

  • Lead by example through direct, hands-on involvement in manufacturing engineering activities.
  • Teach engineers, technicians, supervisors, and production employees how to investigate problems, analyze data, conduct experiments, and develop effective solutions.
  • Strengthen analytical reasoning, critical thinking, engineering judgment, and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Challenge unsupported assumptions, superficial root-cause investigations, and ineffective corrective actions.
  • Improve adherence to established manufacturing processes, engineering specifications, and AS9100D quality requirements.
  • Develop the technical capabilities and accountability necessary for teams to independently solve problems and sustain improvements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum 15 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including at least 10 years of direct, hands-on process development, troubleshooting, validation, or process improvement.
  • Extensive demonstrated experience personally applying Lean Six Sigma, DOE, SPC, process capability analysis, PFMEA, MSA, and structured root-cause analysis in production environments.
  • Proven track record of implementing measurable and sustainable improvements in manufacturing quality, process capability, yield, scrap, and productivity.
  • Strong manufacturing engineering fundamentals and practical experience with production equipment, tooling, fixtures, process controls, and inspection methods.
  • Experience using statistical analysis software such as Minitab or JMP.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and production personnel and develop their technical problem-solving capabilities.
  • Strong analytical skills, sound engineering judgment, and a genuine passion for hands-on manufacturing.
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, including the ability to teach technical concepts and conduct training.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States, with the necessary authorization and documentation to travel to and perform assigned duties in Mexico weekly.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification, supported by personally executed improvement projects.
  • Experience in AS9100D-certified aerospace and defense manufacturing environments.
  • Experience in precision electronics, PCBA, optical assemblies, bonding, lamination, coatings, or other high-reliability manufacturing processes.
  • Experience in high-mix, low-to-medium-volume precision manufacturing.
  • Experience with manufacturing process qualification, validation, and advanced statistical process control.
  • Previous experience in Mexican manufacturing operations, preferably Baja California.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a manufacturing engineer at heart, someone who takes genuine satisfaction in understanding processes, solving difficult technical problems, and making manufacturing operations better.

The successful candidate:

  • Prefers hands-on engineering and factory-floor problem-solving over administrative management.
  • Has personally executed substantial process development and Six Sigma improvement projects.
  • Understands both the science of manufacturing processes and the importance of disciplined execution.
  • Combines technical expertise with patience, humility, and enthusiasm for teaching.
  • Challenges ineffective practices through objective data, sound reasoning, and practical experimentation.
  • Leads through personal credibility, engineering competence, and example rather than formal authority.
  • Takes pride in developing people who can independently solve problems and sustain improvements.

Measures of Success

Success will be evaluated through:

  • Improved manufacturing process capability, first-pass yield, and productivity.
  • Reduced defects, process variation, scrap, rework, and recurring nonconformances.
  • Successful execution and sustained results of Lean Six Sigma and process development projects.
  • Improved technical quality of root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Increased engineering competence, process discipline, and independent problem-solving capabilities across the organization.

Application Requirements:

Applicants should provide two examples of manufacturing process development or improvement projects they personally executed, describing:

  • The technical problem and their direct engineering contribution.
  • The Lean Six Sigma, DOE, SPC, or other engineering methods applied.
  • The measurable improvements achieved and how results were sustained.
  • How they transferred technical knowledge to engineers or production personnel.

We are seeking a proven technical practitioner and mentor—not an operations executive whose experience is primarily managing manufacturing organizations.

Other Requirements:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Must have a valid passport for travel to Mexico.
  • Global Entry membership is a plus.
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.

CEVIANS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer