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Senior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Washington

The Fabrication & Manufacturing Engineer serves as the critical, hands-on link between the design engineering department and the fabrication shop floor. This role is directly responsible for ensuring ...

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Senior Manufacturing Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$74.2K

$122.8K

$168.2K

How much do senior manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior manufacturing engineer in Washington is $122,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you need expertise in process optimization, production systems, and a degree in engineering or a related field, often with several years of manufacturing experience. Proficiency with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and familiarity with ERP/MES systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead cross-functional teams and drive improvements. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring efficient production processes, high product quality, and continuous operational improvement.

What are some common challenges faced by senior manufacturing engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies into existing production lines, maintaining high-quality standards while increasing efficiency, and managing cross-functional project teams. To address these challenges, effective communication, continuous process improvement, and staying current with industry advancements are crucial. Collaborating closely with design, quality, and operations teams helps ensure smooth implementation and quick resolution of production issues.

What is the difference between Senior Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectSenior Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, often with 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, mentoring, process optimizationSupporting manufacturing processes, implementing improvements
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing sectors for experienced rolesEntry to mid-level manufacturing roles

The main difference is experience level and responsibilities. Senior Manufacturing Engineers typically lead projects and mentor teams, while Manufacturing Engineers focus on supporting and improving manufacturing processes. Both roles require similar credentials and are common in manufacturing industries.

How much does a senior manufacturing engineer make in the US?

A senior manufacturing engineer in the US typically earns between $85,000 and $125,000 annually, with the median around $105,000. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and company size, and may include bonuses and benefits.

What does a senior manufacturing engineer do?

A senior manufacturing engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze production workflows, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions using tools like CAD and Lean methodologies. They often oversee production teams and collaborate with other engineering and quality departments to meet operational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,770 per year, or $59 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer-Laurel, Maryland

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Glen Echo, MD • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop manufacturing plans, process flows, work instructions, and production strategies for prototype hardware.

  • Coordinate with engineers, machinists, technicians, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project execution.

  • Serve as the subject matter expert for mechanical fabrication technologies and support the application of design for manufacturing principles.


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you interested in working in a state-of-the-art manufacturing center that helps develop hardware for space, land, sea, and air applications?
Are you motivated to help provide mechanical manufacturing solutions that address our nation's most pressing challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help us ensure the successful delivery of large, critical, and complex manufacturing projects through technical expertise in manufacturing. The ME will work with staff at all levels to implement design for manufacturing principles, manage operations, improve quality, and drive continuous improvement.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will collaborate with engineers, designers, machinists, and program teams to solve some of the nation's most challenging technical problems. You will provide manufacturing leadership from concept through fabrication, influencing design decisions and manufacturing process to improve quality and performance, reduce cost and schedule risk, and ensure the successful fabrication of complex mechanical hardware.
As a Manufacturing Engineer you will...
  • Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for many mechanical fabrication technologies (e.g., machining, additive manufacturing, welding, sheet metal, composites, etc.), supporting space, land, sea, and air programs.
  • Partner with engineering teams to apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles that improve manufacturability, quality, cost, and schedule.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to translate design intent into effective manufacturing solutions.
  • Develop manufacturing plans, process flows, work instructions, and production strategies for prototype hardware
  • Leverage ERP/MRP systems to support production planning, routing, material management, and manufacturing execution.
  • Coordinate with engineers, machinists, technicians, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project execution.
  • Develop manufacturing estimates, schedules, and resource plans for complex fabrication efforts.
  • Lead or support R&D initiatives to evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.
  • Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies, industry standards, and best practices.
  • Help strengthen APL's manufacturing ecosystem through technical leadership and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Have 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience across multiple fabrication processes, with broad knowledge of mechanical fabrication and deep expertise in one or more of the following: 3- and 5-axis CNC machining, turning, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, or tooling/mold design.
  • Experience developing prototype hardware and transitioning designs into manufacturing.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as CREO or SolidWorks.
  • Can interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to support manufacturing and inspection activities.
  • Demonstrate strong planning, communication, and collaboration skills while working with multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Are willing and able to work in a laboratory environment and travel as needed to support testing, sponsor engagements, conferences, and technical presentations.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience performing mechanical stress analyses and evaluating structural failure modes.
  • Have experience with PLM and ERP/MRP systems to support engineering change management, production planning, and manufacturing execution.
  • Have experience planning, developing, or optimizing manufacturing facilities, production layouts, or new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Have led manufacturing process improvements or implemented new manufacturing technologies that improved quality, cost, schedule, or throughput.
  • Have supported hardware through the full product lifecycle, from concept and prototype through production, assembly, and test.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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