Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, automation, process development, and technology integration across the Aerospace Group. This position will be responsible for identifying and implementing improvements in manufacturing efficiency, productivity, quality, capacity utilization, and overall operational performance.

The successful candidate will lead and support initiatives involving CNC machining, assembly operations, special processing, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), KPI development, additive manufacturing, and strategic improvement initiatives aligned with the Group’s short-term and long-term operational objectives.

This is intended to be a hands-on engineering role with a strong presence on the manufacturing floor. The successful candidate will work closely with production personnel, supervisors, programmers, quality, and support departments to identify opportunities, solve problems, and implement sustainable improvements throughout the operation.

This position is intended for a highly motivated individual who is capable of owning improvement initiatives from concept through implementation, including developing business cases, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving measurable operational results.

Responsibilities:
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives.
• Support optimization of production flow, setup reduction, and machine utilization.

Technology & Automation

• Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies and automation solutions.
• Support CNC automation initiatives including pallet systems, probing, tool management, and unattended machining strategies.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI tools within manufacturing, planning, quality, and business systems.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for capital investments and process improvements.
• Support implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives and digital manufacturing strategies.
• Evaluate additive manufacturing technologies and how they can advance our business.

Process Development & Manufacturing Support

• Develop and onboard new manufacturing processes for machining, assembly, and special processing operations.
• Work closely with production, quality, programming, and maintenance teams to improve manufacturability and process capability.
• Support troubleshooting of manufacturing and processing issues.
• Participate in new product introduction and process validation activities.

Shop Floor Engagement & Problem Solving

• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Work directly with supervisors, programmers, operators, inspectors, and support personnel to solve manufacturing challenges.
• Participate in process trials, equipment evaluations, and implementation activities.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Validate improvement initiatives through direct observation and hands-on involvement.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure improvements are practical, sustainable, and effectively implemented.

KPI Development & Data Analysis

• Develop, maintain, and analyze operational KPIs and dashboards.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics related to productivity, quality, delivery, utilization, and cost.
• Analyze manufacturing data and trends to support decision-making.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional improvement teams and projects.
• Work collaboratively with operations, quality, engineering, planning, and special processing personnel.
• Support development of standard work, procedures, and training documentation.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng.) or eligibility for registration considered an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with aerospace manufacturing experience or experience within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Equivalent combination of technical education and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.

Assets:

• Experience in CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with automation systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SYSPRO experience considered an asset).
• Experience working with KPIs, manufacturing analytics, and reporting tools.
• Experience with AI tools or digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with special processing, assembly operations, or vertically integrated manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.