Principle Process Engineer

About Us:
Middle River Aerostructure Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers (the braking system on a jet engine), engine nacelle components and specialized aerostructures. It supplies and supports these products for engine makers, airplane manufacturers and aircraft operators. Located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, MRAS has a 1.7-million sq. ft. facility situated on 180 acres – where the company and its predecessors have designed, built and equipped civil and military aircraft for over 90 years. In 2019, MRAS was acquired by ST Engineering North America, the U.S. affiliate of Singapore-based ST Engineering – becoming a part of its global network of aerospace facilities and offices. With the ownership change, the company was renamed Middle River Aerostructure Systems.

Job Summary

Manufacturing & Process Engineers are the technical connectors between composite materials, manufacturing, the design team and the production floor. As a Principal Engineer of composites within the Process Engineering team, you are a technical expert in the field of composite materials and manufacturing. Using your technical expertise, you will be a key contributor driving improvements into the materials and manufacturing processes deployed in the factory and the products yielded. You will be the force behind the development of new composite manufacturing processes that range from Automated Fiber Placement, Hand Lay Up and a variety of other manufacturing technologies that are needed to make todays advanced composite structures. Principal Engineers take ownership of new product and process development as well as ensuring that our current methods are robust and meet the stringent requirements of our customers. Our technical experts can communicate complex technical concepts and issues to business leaders as well the operations teams responsible for the manufacture of the products. Principal Engineers participate in design reviews, providing guidance and act as a sounding board for the designers, materials and processing, bonding, and assembly manufacturing engineers. Supporting both internal and external manufacturing, you will be helping the other functional groups to resolve technical and production problems in the supply base.

Responsibilities:

Drive and deliver on the various activities associated with the following:

1. Develop/revise new and existing engineering specifications, processes and procedures that support the manufacturing of composite structures:

• Process Specifications
• Material Specifications
• Tooling Specifications
• Tooling Design and Manufacturing Processes
• Production/Manufacturing Planning
• Manufacturing Cost Models
• Product /Process Improvement Plans

2. Own and drive the introduction of new products into the manufacturing environment. This includes creating and/or reviewing the following aspects of new designs:
   • Manufacturability of design concepts
   • Cost estimates and ROI of new concepts and products to be manufactured
   • Develop tooling concepts and production methodology for composite structures
   • Support of business reviews and provide technical insight into manufacturing.

Skills:

1. Critical Thinking:

• Demonstrate advanced technical skill in all aspects of manufacturing composite structures.
• Troubleshoot complex engineering issues that are affecting part quality, cost and/or function.
• Develop engineering metrics around productivity, part flow and process improvements.
• Incorporate Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing and use Six Sigma data analysis tools.

2. Communication:

• Empower and teach team members as a technical expert on composites.
• Effectively communicate how implementing advanced composite manufacturing methods helps the business succeed and meet expected KPIs.
• Create and employ effective engineering documentation around product development and cost estimating for new bid and proposals.
• Effectively liaison with materials, design, analysis, procurement, union representatives and business leadership.
• Create engineering documentation in support of manufacturing activities and new equipment design, purchase, and installation.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a relevant engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience relating to composite materials, composite manufacturing, composite structures and or other aerospace structures.
• Prior experience in developing and implementing composite technologies and solutions for manufacturing.
• Solid knowledge of Office software and experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methods

Desired Characteristics 

• Technically curious and self starter

• Strong team building skills 
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization 
• Strong analytical skills 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Ability and willingness to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Ability to bring assignments to a successful completion 
• Ability to anticipate customer needs and ensure that they are met 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to counsel and motivate workforce 

MRAS is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value.