Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Assembly

Our Company

Our mission at Dronamics is to develop innovative solutions for same-day middle-mile logistics and serve the world as the leading cargo drone airline.

We design, build and operate long-range, high payload cargo drones that can carry up to 350 kg (550 lbs) at a distance of up to 2,500 km (1,500 mi) - up to 80% faster, 50% cheaper and with 60% less co2 emissions vs traditional freight.

At first, it didn't sound possible, but we keep proving it is, which is why we've called it “The Black Swan”. It can land on short and unpaved runways, enabling on-demand point-to-point flights and speedy same-day delivery even to the most remote locations that would otherwise take days to reach over ground or sea.

With the successful first flight of our full-scale Black Swan cargo drone, we have achieved a significant
milestone. Now our focus is on scaling up and establishing operations in the first markets in Europe and beyond

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer specializing in assembly and assembly tooling for aerospace applications. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the design, development, and optimization of assembly processes and tooling to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, quality, and safety in the production of aerospace components and assemblies.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Assembly Process Development:
- Design, develop, and optimize assembly processes for final aircraft assembly and relevant sub-assemblies of aerospace components and systems.
- Develop detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, and assembly procedures.
- Evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies to improve assembly operations.
2. Tooling Design and Development:
- Design, develop, and validate assembly tooling and fixtures to support efficient and precise assembly operations in a low volume environment, looking to develop into a mass production environment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tooling designs meet production requirements and quality standards.
- Manage the procurement, installation, and maintenance of assembly tooling.
3. Continuous Improvement:
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance assembly processes, reduce cycle times, and improve product quality.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for assembly-related issues.
- Utilize lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements.
4. Quality Assurance:
- Ensure assembly processes and tooling meet all regulatory and quality standards specific to the aerospace industry.
- Conduct process capability studies and implement quality control plans.
- Support audits and compliance activities related to assembly processes.
5. Project Management:
- Manage assembly process and tooling projects from concept through to production implementation.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, and track progress against project milestones.
- Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project success.
6. Technical Support:
- Provide technical support and guidance to production teams for assembly-related issues.
- Train production personnel on the use of assembly processes and tooling.
- Stay current with industry trends and advancements in assembly technologies.

What We Offer

• A competitive compensation package for a start up company

• Lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth on a global level

• Tons of work, zero office politics - we are here to impact the lives of millions of people around the world

• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to frame the future of how the world moves goods

Location

This role requires relocation in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly and assembly tooling in the aerospace industry.
- Proven experience in designing and implementing assembly processes and tooling for aerospace applications.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards and regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA) and PLM systems. Special consideration given to the use and interpretation of 3D scanning protocols and alignment techniques.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis.
- Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or other relevant certifications.
- Experience with automation and robotics in assembly processes.
- Knowledge of composite materials and their assembly techniques.

Working Conditions:
- This position may require occasional travel to supplier sites.
- The role involves working in both office and production floor environments.