Principle Process Engineer

Who YOU are and what YOU can become

As a Principal Process Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor within the R&D and Advanced Technology organization, leading the development of next‑generation aerospace manufacturing processes. The role focuses on new product and process development with emphasis on tooling design, precision machining, automated fiber placement, and manufacturing software development. Your work will span early concept, prototype build, and technology maturation, enabling successful transition of advanced manufacturing capabilities into production environments.

You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional internal teams—including Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain—as well as external partners such as equipment vendors, research institutions, and suppliers. The role includes developing and validating manufacturing processes, creating and refining NC programs and post‑processors, and applying software‑based tools to accelerate and automate manufacturing development.

You will operate with limited supervision, manage multiple development efforts, and proactively communicate technical risks, obstacles, and progress to engineering leadership.

Who WE are and where WE are going

At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day.  From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio.  We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future.

A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none.  At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company’s expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it’s materials and processing expertise.

What YOU will do

Advanced Manufacturing & Process Development

• Lead development of new manufacturing processes and production concepts for aerospace structures
• Develop, validate, and mature automated fiber placement and precision machining processes
• Support technology maturation from early concept through prototype demonstration and manufacturing readiness

Tooling Design & Development

• Lead the design, development, and validation of manufacturing tooling for advanced composite and metallic structures
• Develop prototype and production‑relevant tooling concepts to support R&D demonstrations and process maturation
• Collaborate with design, analysis, and manufacturing teams to ensure tooling supports performance, quality, and producibility requirements
• Support tooling refinement through build, test, and iteration cycles

Manufacturing Software & NC Development

• Create and optimize NC programs for advanced machining and automated manufacturing systems
• Develop, edit, and support custom post‑processors
• Apply Python programming to automate manufacturing workflows, analyze data, and support toolpath or process development

Technical Leadership

• Lead and support multiple R&D development efforts simultaneously
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers and technicians
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and recommendations to engineering leadership

What YOU must bring to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, manufacturing R&D, or advanced technology development
• Expert‑level experience in tooling design, machining processes, and composite manufacturing
• Extensive NC programming experience, including post‑processor development and editing
• Proficiency in Python for manufacturing automation, data analysis, or process/toolpath development
• Proven experience developing and maturing new manufacturing processes from concept through demonstration
• This position involves access to export‑controlled technology and requires U.S. Person status or appropriate authorization

Desired Characteristics

• Strong technical judgment and systems‑level manufacturing perspective
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across disciplines and organizations
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience working in R&D, prototype, or advanced manufacturing environments

At ST Engineering MRAS, we offer great rewards, competitive pay, career advancement and growth opportunities.

Estimate salary range for this role: $120,000 to $150,000 per year and will include a shift differential. ST Engineering MRAS considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits:

As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
• Health Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes  
• Immediate 401k vesting!!!
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)

Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.

It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems.  ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed.  We’re proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s through our differences that innovative changes are made.

ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.