Principal Manufacturing and Assembly Engineer - Chatsworth, CA

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Principal Manufacturing and Assembly Engineer

#NHBC-200

Chatsworth, California, United States

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Location

Chatsworth

California

United States

Shift

1st Shift

About Us

New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc. (NHBB) is a leading manufacturer of precision bearings and complex bearing assemblies for the aerospace, defense, medical, dental, and high technology markets. Founded in Peterborough, NH in 1946, our almost 8 decades of success are rooted in our commitment to the safety, health and wellness of our employees, and partnerships with our customers, suppliers and the communities that surround us.

NHBB's Precision Division is based in the western corner of the San Fernando Valley surrounded by the Santa Susanna Mountains to the west and Los Angeles to the east.

We are always on the lookout for outstanding individuals with a strong work ethic, creative spirit and positive attitude. If you have what it takes to be successful and our NHBB Values speak to you, apply now.

Job Description

Position Summary :

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Manufacturing and Assembly Engineer to lead and optimize our end-to-end manufacturing and assembly operations. This role will focus on the development, improvement, and scaling of complex mechanical and / or electromechanical assembly processes, ensuring product quality, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will act as a technical expert, project leader, and mentor within the engineering team.

Key Responsibilities :

• Process Development :

Design, develop, and implement robust manufacturing and assembly processes for new and existing products, ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Assembly Optimization :

Lead optimization of manual, semi-automated, and automated assembly operations, focusing on takt time reduction, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and ergonomic improvements.

New Product Introduction (NPI) :

Collaborate with R&D, Product Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth design transfer of new products into production.

Continuous Improvement :

Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis initiatives to improve assembly yield, reduce defects, and lower manufacturing costs.

Validation and Compliance :

Lead equipment and process validation activities and ensure all processes meet relevant regulatory and industry standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100 etc.).

Tooling and Fixtures :

Specify, design, and oversee the procurement of assembly tools, fixtures, and test systems to support efficient and repeatable operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

Interface with Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and external suppliers to resolve issues and ensure alignment across the product lifecycle.

Documentation :

Create and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and control plans.

Mentorship & Leadership :

Serve as a mentor to junior engineers and technicians. Lead cross-functional projects and support strategic initiatives across multiple departments.

Qualifications : Required :

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

8+ years of experience in manufacturing and assembly engineering roles, with at least 2-3 years in a senior or principal-level capacity.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and optimizing complex mechanical or electromechanical assembly processes.

Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma tools, and process validation methodologies.

Proficiency with CAD, SOLIDWORKS, ERP, and MRP (Mapics preferred) systems.

Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale manufacturing projects.

Preferred :

Master's degree or advanced certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, Lean Expert).

Experience with automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Prior experience in highly regulated industries such as medical, aerospace, or automotive.

Work Location : In person

Benefits :

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance