Manufacturing Engineer

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

QinetiQ US is looking to hire an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to help sustain and improve QinetiQ US’s manufacturing processes, assist in the design of work cell layouts, review equipment and test fixtures used in production to improve throughput and reduce cycle times, as well as help troubleshoot manufacturing issues that affect production and delivery targets.

The Manufacturing Engineering position will cover a broad range of support activities which include initiating, proposing, planning and sustaining daily operations. Additionally you will implement tasks required for non-routine service contracts and the repair of replacement spares. The range of products supported by Manufacturing Engineering, and the Manufacturing Operations Teams include:

• Maritime Systems
• Unmanned Robots and Vehicles
• Warfighter and Vehicle Protection

• Supports daily manufacturing floor operations for Survivability product lines, responding to production needs and providing hands‑on problem solving.
• Assists with modifying and creating cutter/laser cut files, repairing equipment, and operating lasers and mechanical cutting systems as required.
• Performs ballistic analysis activities, including understanding armor solution design, threat relationships, and material behavior under ballistic loads.
• Fabricates ballistic test panels, applying knowledge of material properties, autoclave processing, lamination press operation, vacuum‑bagging techniques, and complex layup sequences.
• Manages cutter/laser file creation, sequencing, and optimization for production efficiency and quality performance.
• Applies proper bonding and lamination methods to ensure consistent, repeatable fabrication results.
• Develops deep understanding of available material properties to support ballistic application requirements and solution development.
• Performs mechanical data testing (Instron) and conducts data evaluation aligned with ASTM standards.
• Utilizes CAD tools for new product development, design modifications, and creating/maintaining production documentation.
• Supports product activities including quoting, generating supplier cut‑sheets, coordinating with suppliers, end users, and Navy personnel, and ensuring compliance with applicable Navy specifications.
• Coordinates delivery schedules to meet customer installation timelines.
• Demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude in assisting or leading repair and maintenance of company equipment including lasers, ovens, and temperature‑controlled systems.
• Designs, iterates, and maintains potting molds, forming tools, and fixtures for repeatable assembly geometry; supports resin and polymer processing activities.
• Creates and maintains manufacturing fixtures, 3D‑printed molds, and prototypes to support production readiness and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Industrial, Mechanical, Electromechanical preferred) plus 3–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven practical and logical problem‑solving ability in a production setting.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, schedule‑driven environment with minimal oversight.
• Willingness to participate in structured, apprentice‑style training under principal engineers to build the competencies required for future subject‑matter expertise and organizational continuity.
• Experience authoring or updating operator‑facing work instructions.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Hands‑on manufacturing or mechanical experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance if required.
• Familiarity with laser cutter operation, material‑specific cutting behavior, and DXF/cut file manipulation.
• Understanding of material layups, bonding/lamination behavior, and basic composite processing methods.
• Experience conducting mechanical testing and interpreting results consistent with ASTM standards.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as CREO and SolidWorks for design modification or creation.

• Experience generating and maintaining bill of materials within an ERP system.
• Understanding of commercial manufacturing processes and production best practices.
• Experience with military, DoD, or other project‑based contract structures.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and applicable Quality System Standards.
• Working knowledge of Configuration Management principles.
• Experience with process/product verification and validation activities.
• Experience applying analytical troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience with highly complex discrete manufacturing or low‑volume, technically integrated products.
• Experience with ballistic materials, ballistic threat analysis, and fabrication of ballistic test panels.
• Experience with autoclave processing, lamination press operation, vacuum‑bagging, or composite layup work.
• Experience coordinating production activities with suppliers, shipyards, or government technical personnel, including quoting and specification compliance.
• Experience designing or maintaining manufacturing fixtures, molds, forming tools, or 3D‑printed components.
• Experience performing mechanical repairs on production equipment such as cutters, lasers, ovens, and temperature‑controlled systems.

The salary range for this role is $60,000- $95,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.