Production Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reports to: Associate Director of Operations
Classification/Status: Exempt / Full-Time
Location: Nikon AM Technology Center
Company Overview
Operating from the modern Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, Nikon AM Synergy is a provider of holistic solutions in additive manufacturing, R&D, and engineering. Our mission is to accelerate customer adoption and scaling of metal AM for cutting-edge applications, with a particular focus on the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. This will be through both Nikon SLM Solutions' industry-leading laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology enhanced by premier metallurgy and metrology capabilities. Nikon AM Synergy offers specialized capabilities within an ultra-secure environment, meeting the stringent security requirements of defense and aerospace clients. These capabilities are bolstered by our collaborative and hands-on approach, as well as technical and business development teams with extensive industry knowledge and expertise, consistently delivering results for our strategic customers.
Position Overview
The Production Engineer is responsible for ensuring efficient, high-quality production while managing cost, delivery timelines, and production planning. This role oversees the entire demand of production jobs, prioritizes customer and internal requirements, and implements standardized production engineering processes across the organization. The engineer serves as a key interface between production, planning, and customer teams to optimize operations. This role requires consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion on matters of operational and technical significance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Analyze complex production issues and determine root cause and corrective actions independently.
• Lead implementation of process improvements, new technologies, and production methodologies.
• Establish and refine standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process controls.
• Evaluate machine log data and performance metrics to drive strategic decision making.
• Monitor production KPIs, ensure product quality, and maintain comprehensive documentation.
• Implement standardized, globally consistent planning and production engineering processes.
• Support customer communication regarding production timelines, quality, and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Identify production bottlenecks or quality issues and propose corrective actions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in production engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of production machinery and standard manufacturing processes.
• Experience with production planning, demand management, and lead/delivery time assessment.
• Strong process management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure on-time delivery of components.
• Proficiency in documentation, reporting, and monitoring KPIs.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Metal Additive Manufacturing (LPBF) production operations.
• Knowledge of ISO9001 / AS9100 quality control standards and production processes.
• Familiarity with process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing environments.
Work Environment
• Work is performed in manufacturing areas, including production labs and machine workshops.
• Exposure to industrial machinery and production materials is expected.
• Must follow strict safety procedures and comply with environmental and quality standards.
Schedule and Flexibility
• Full-time position with occasional flexibility required to meet production deadlines or handle urgent customer needs.
Performance Competencies
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of production machinery and standard manufacturing processes.
• Production Planning: Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute production orders efficiently.
• Quality Focus: Ensure high-quality components through pre- and post-job controls and documentation.
• Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve production issues effectively.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams and support customer communication.
• Process Management: Implement standardized global production engineering procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements.
Benefits Package:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, as well as Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Additional voluntary and supplemental benefits include Voluntary Life & AD&D, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Hospital Confinement coverage. Employees also have access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA), where applicable.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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