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Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer KBR is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer to support the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray Program Office (PMA-268) at Naval Air Systems Command ...

Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer KBR is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer to support the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray Program Office (PMA-268) at Naval Air Systems Command ...

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Manufacturing Engineer information

See California, MD salary details

$45.5K

$82K

$115K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineer in California, MD is $82,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a manufacturing engineer faces in optimizing production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency with product quality, minimizing production costs while maintaining safety standards, and implementing new technologies without disrupting existing workflows. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and maintenance, to resolve issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is essential to overcoming these challenges and driving process enhancements.

What is a manufacturing engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is a specialized engineer who improves product manufacturing processes. As a manufacturing engineer, your primary duties are to design and develop production systems and improve the tools and systems within the manufacturing process. You will use computer software such as CAD to create, modify, and test the products and manufacturing processes.

What exactly do manufacturing engineers do?

Manufacturing engineers design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes to produce products efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. They analyze production workflows, select appropriate equipment, and implement quality control measures, often using tools like CAD software and lean manufacturing principles. Their work ensures that manufacturing operations run smoothly and meet quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and quality control, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and experience with automation systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate and drive continuous improvement. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like CMfgEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, industrial sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing production processes and workflows within manufacturing environments, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Manufacturing Engineers are more involved in process improvement and production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and mechanical system development.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California, MD?

For Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near California, MD are hiring for Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineer job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,042 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer
KBR is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer to support the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray Program Office (PMA-268) at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. PMA-268 is responsible for the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned air system and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS), working closely with Boeing and Lockheed Martin to integrate the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft into the Carrier Air Wing. The MQ-25A provides an organic aerial refueling capability while advancing manned-unmanned teaming and future carrier-based unmanned aviation operations.
The Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer will ensure government oversight of quality assurance, manufacturing, production readiness, supplier quality, flight test, and airworthiness activities associated with the MQ-25A Stingray program. The successful candidate will provide independent quality engineering expertise throughout Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), flight test, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), and fielding activities.
This position will monitor manufacturing and quality processes for compliance with approved technical requirements, production specifications, engineering drawings, contractual obligations, and aerospace quality standards. The Manufacturing Quality Assurance Engineer will collaborate with Government Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), contractors, and suppliers to ensure mission-ready, airworthy, and compliant products are delivered to the fleet.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Lead PMA-268 quality assurance, manufacturing, and airworthiness activities associated with MQ-25A system development, production, and delivery. Conduct manufacturing process surveillance and quality assessments at contractor and supplier facilities. Participate in Production Readiness Reviews (PRRs), Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), System Verification Reviews (SVRs), and Government Acceptance Reviews (GARs).
  • Review manufacturing flow plans, inspection plans, quality plans, process qualification records, and production work instructions.
  • Assess contractor compliance with contract requirements, technical specifications, and approved Quality Management Systems. Provide oversight of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) activities. Review and evaluate First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 requirements. Provide expertise to Material Review Boards (MRBs), Failure Review Boards (FRBs), Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs).
  • Review nonconformance reports, corrective action requests, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Verify that quality issues, hardware discrepancies, and manufacturing defects are properly documented and resolved. Evaluate contractor and supplier performance through audits, surveillance activities, and program quality metrics. Provide oversight to supplier quality management activities and assess subcontractor compliance with contractual quality requirements.
  • Monitor configuration management processes and assess impacts of engineering changes, waivers, deviations, and technical directives. Provide quality oversight of aircraft structures, avionics, electrical systems, mission systems, propulsion systems, and autonomous vehicle subsystems. Review manufacturing and inspection documentation for completeness prior to hardware acceptance, system integration, and testing. Provide airworthiness certification activities and verification of aircraft qualification requirements.
  • Participate in factory acceptance testing, integration activities, system testing, and flight test readiness assessments. Analyze quality trend data and identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and risk reduction. Implement implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven process improvement initiatives.
  • Prepare technical assessments, audit reports, quality metrics, presentations, and recommendations for Government leadership. Collaborate with engineering, logistics, program management, test, and contractor personnel to resolve quality-related issues.

Basic Qualifications
  • US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance. Ability to access Government and contractor facilities supporting NAVAIR programs.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience supporting aerospace, naval aviation, defense, manufacturing quality assurance, supplier quality, or quality engineering programs.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense acquisition programs.
  • Experience with aircraft manufacturing, production, integration, test, sustainment, or airworthiness activities.
  • Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, quality management systems, and aerospace manufacturing standards.
  • Experience conducting audits, inspections, root cause investigations, corrective action reviews, and process assessments.
  • Experience reviewing engineering drawings, technical data packages, manufacturing work instructions, and specifications.
  • Experience developing and analyzing quality metrics and performance indicators.
  • Knowledge of configuration management and engineering change processes.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in engineering
  • Active Secret Security Clearance.
  • Experience supporting NAVAIR, PMA organizations, NAWCAD, or Naval Aviation acquisition programs.
  • Previous experience supporting MQ-25, MQ-4C Triton, MQ-9, F/A-18, E-2D, P-8A, F-35, or other military aviation programs.
  • Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), or equivalent ASQ certification.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • AS9100 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification.
  • Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
  • Experience with supplier quality surveillance and production readiness assessments.
  • Knowledge of IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and aerospace workmanship standards.
  • Familiarity with NAVAIR Airworthiness processes and military aircraft certification requirements.
  • Experience supporting autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), mission systems integration, carrier aviation, or flight test programs.
  • Experience supporting government-contractor integrated product teams in highly regulated aerospace environments.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week.
Compensation: $157K-$197K. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
KBR Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998