Uav Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, innovative defense solutions in support of the warfighter, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title every day with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of system-level integration and production processes supporting our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) programs. This role partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure manufacturing execution is disciplined, repeatable, scalable, and production-ready.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace or complex electromechanical manufacturing environments, including system integration, production flow design, rate-readiness planning, and manufacturing documentation control. This position plays a critical role in transitioning advanced platforms from prototype builds to rate-capable production. The Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer will establish standardized work instructions, MBOM structures, integration sequencing strategies, and production control frameworks designed to sustain long-term program growth within configuration-controlled environments.

• Lead manufacturing system development for new UAV production facility stand-up, including integration cell design, documentation frameworks, and process governance structures
• Design and implement scalable system-level integration processes
• Develop standardized production frameworks across programs and product lines
• Establish manufacturing flow, line layout, and integration sequencing strategies
• Define tooling, fixtures, and process control requirements
• Lead MBOM development and manufacturing structure definition
• Define production infrastructure requirements including tooling strategy, workspace layout, integration cell architecture, and material flow systems

• Lead transition from prototype builds to low-rate and full-rate production
• Conduct production readiness reviews and rate capability assessments
• Identify systemic bottlenecks and implement structural improvements
• Develop capacity planning inputs in coordination with Production Leadership
• Drive measurable improvements in yield, throughput, and repeatability
• Define and implement integration process controls and verification checkpoints to ensure end-item quality, configuration integrity, and first-pass yield performance at production rate
• Establish production-to-test handoff criteria and ensure manufacturing processes support ground test, acceptance testing, and flight readiness requirements
• Establish standardized manufacturing change control processes aligned with engineering configuration management
• Define and monitor key manufacturing performance metrics including first-pass yield, integration defect rate, rework hours, and rate capability

• Serve as escalation point for complex integration and assembly issues
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts
• Mentor Manufacturing Team Leads and Production Technicians
• Establish best practices for integration quality and process discipline
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production lines

• Ensure alignment between engineering configuration and manufacturing execution
• Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) manufacturing support
• Ensure documentation integrity, traceability, and audit readiness
• Support ISO-9001 and contractual production compliance requirements
• Establish standardized manufacturing documentation controls

• Provide senior-level Design for Manufacturability (DFM) input to Engineering
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on integration constraints and production risk
• Support Program Management with production risk identification and mitigation
• Participate in IPT leadership discussions related to production execution
• Support strategic make/buy and integration planning decisions

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline
• 7-12+ years of experience in aerospace or complex electromechanical manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience establishing or significantly expanding manufacturing capability in a new or growing production environment
• Demonstrated experience scaling products from prototype to production
• Proven experience designing and implementing manufacturing processes
• Experience leading RCCA investigations and systemic production improvements
• Experience working in regulated or defense manufacturing environments
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Experience leading or mentoring junior manufacturing engineers
• Experience establishing manufacturing standards across multiple programs
• Familiarity with ERP, PLM, and configuration-controlled build environments
• Experience supporting defense or government system production

• Strong systems-level thinking and manufacturing process design capability
• Advanced troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead technical initiatives without formal authority
• Strong written documentation discipline
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-scaling production environments

• Ability to work on-site in a production environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
• Ability to work around electromechanical systems and production equipment

Salary Range: $105,000-$125,000 annually.

This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the base compensation for this position. Actual base compensation will be determined based on multiple factors, including location, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. In exceptional cases, compensation above this range may be considered based on experience, skills, or business needs.

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance. Overtime eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with federal and state law.

Ideal Aerosmith additionally offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits; 401K with company match; company-paid holidays; every other Friday off; and paid time off for vacation and personal time.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.