Advanced Manufacturing / Materials Process Engineer

Position Overview
APEX is currently accepting applicants for an Advanced Manufacturing / Materials Process Engineer within its Aerospace Component Manufacturing Group. This is a full-time, permanent position reporting directly to the Group Manager.

This position will support a research and development initiative focused on advancing aerospace manufacturing processes and improving the robustness, capability, and consistency of special processing operations within a regulated aerospace environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in experimental process development, metallurgical analysis, aerospace surface treatment optimization, and implementation of data-driven manufacturing improvements supporting commercial and defense aerospace programs.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research & development, aerospace manufacturing, metallurgy, chemical processing, and operational improvement while helping expand Apex Industries’ advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

Research & Experimental Development

• Design and execute controlled manufacturing and process experiments.
• Lead investigations related to aerospace surface treatments, anodizing, corrosion behavior, and process capability.
• Develop and validate process improvements through data-driven analysis and testing.
• Support development of new manufacturing and special processing capabilities.

Materials & Metallurgical Engineering

• Analyze metallurgical and surface condition test results.
• Investigate material behavior on high-strength aerospace aluminum alloys and related materials.
• Support failure analysis, root cause investigations, and process troubleshooting activities.
• Coordinate metallurgical evaluations and laboratory testing activities.

Aerospace Process Development

• Develop and optimize aerospace special processing procedures and controls.
• Support implementation and validation of new manufacturing and special processing methods.
• Evaluate process variables and their impact on product quality and compliance.
• Assist with development of technical standards, specifications, and process documentation.

Laboratory & Technical Coordination

• Coordinate activities with accredited testing laboratories and external technical partners.
• Review technical reports, specifications, and test data.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and customers.
• Support technical communication with aerospace customers and regulatory bodies when required.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Support

• Support long-term operational improvement initiatives related to special processing and manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in strategic technology development initiatives.
• Support implementation of data analysis and monitoring tools related to process performance.
• Collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and special processing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
  • Materials Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering (materials or manufacturing focus)
  • Or equivalent combination of technical education and relevant experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with 5–8 years of relevant manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng.) or eligibility considered an asset.

Assets:

• Experience in aerospace chemical processing or special processing operations.
• Experience with anodizing, conversion coating, passivation, or surface treatment processes.
• Knowledge of corrosion science and metallurgical behavior of aerospace alloys.
• Experience with regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with aerospace specifications and standards (MIL, OEM, NADCAP).
• Experience in process development, validation, or experimental testing.
• Experience coordinating external laboratory testing and technical investigations.
• Strong technical writing and data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and process capability evaluation.
• Experience supporting R&D or government-funded technical initiatives considered an asset.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Technical curiosity and innovation mindset.
• Ability to lead technical investigations independently.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication and technical reporting abilities.
• Ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Strong initiative and ownership mentality.