Manufacturing Engineer (Mid-Level) in Sandpoint, Idaho - #73318 | VanderHouwen

Location
Sandpoint, Idaho

Type
Direct Hire

Post Date
09/21/2026

Description

Job Id: 73318

Manufacturing Engineer (Mid-Level)
Our client is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer (Mid-Level) to support aerospace manufacturing operations by translating engineering requirements into efficient, repeatable, and production-ready processes. The ideal candidate brings hands-on aerospace manufacturing experience, strong technical judgment, and a proactive approach to solving shop-floor challenges while collaborating across engineering, production, quality, tooling, and supply chain teams.

This role is on-site in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Manufacturing Engineer (Mid-Level) Responsibilities

  • Develop and improve manufacturing methods, build sequences, work instructions, and production flow to support safe, efficient, and consistent aircraft assembly.
  • Partner directly with production personnel to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, reduce rework, and implement practical process improvements.
  • Review CAD models, engineering drawings, and design requirements to evaluate manufacturability and provide design-for-manufacturing (DFM) recommendations.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing drawings, models, and technical documentation that support production requirements while maintaining alignment with engineering design intent.
  • Evaluate manufacturing processes across areas such as machining, sheet metal, welding, composites, and mechanical or electrical assembly to identify opportunities for improved quality, ergonomics, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Design Engineering and other technical stakeholders to develop and communicate recommendations for product or process changes.
  • Support tooling requirements, labor-efficiency initiatives, production planning, and continuous improvement efforts throughout assigned manufacturing areas.
  • Maintain alignment between engineering and manufacturing data, including bills of material, routings, work content, and related ERP information.
  • Assist with supplier manufacturability, quality, and production issues by evaluating technical requirements and helping develop practical resolutions.
  • Exercise independent judgment within assigned areas while escalating higher-risk, cross-functional, or broader production concerns to senior engineering leadership as appropriate.

Manufacturing Engineer (Mid-Level) Qualifications

  • 5–7 years of manufacturing engineering experience, with aerospace or aviation manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Hands-on knowledge of aerospace or complex manufacturing processes, with demonstrated expertise in at least one area such as machining, sheet metal, welding, composites, or mechanical/electrical assembly and familiarity with others.
  • Strong CAD capabilities and demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience performing DFM analysis and translating engineering requirements into practical manufacturing processes and documentation.
  • Experience working with ERP or manufacturing planning systems, including bills of material, production routings, and engineering-to-manufacturing data alignment.
  • Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate production challenges and drive solutions through completion.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively on the production floor and collaborate with mechanics, engineers, quality personnel, suppliers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Self-directed and adaptable working style with the ability to use available resources, exercise sound judgment, and improve processes without relying on highly prescriptive procedures.
  • Experience with general aviation, low-volume/high-mix aerospace manufacturing, Lean or continuous improvement methodologies, aerospace quality systems, regulated aircraft manufacturing environments, or supplier manufacturability is preferred.

Salary: $90K-$120K/year + Bonus. (DOE)


Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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