Manufacturing Engineer - Mid Level

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

Our Manufacturing Engineers bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring that complex, high-performance mechanical systems move efficiently from concept to build. This position will focus on gearbox and transmission manufacturing, supporting the development, assembly, and validation of advanced driveline systems for defense and high-performance mobility programs. The ideal candidate combines a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, tooling, and assembly methods with an analytical approach to process improvement, quality, and cost control.

Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to all of the following:

• Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for gearbox assemblies, including machining, heat treatment, NDT, end of line testing, and inspection plans.
• Lead the development of tooling, fixtures, and equipment needed for gearbox component machining, inspection, and assembly.
• Lead the development and optimization of component manufacturing including the use of additive manufacturing, castings, forgings, composites, stampings, extrusions, and automation opportunities.
• Lead the development of production line design and processes.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and repeatability of components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with facilities and manufacturing team to facility plan, capacity plan, and support capital expenditure activities for new machinery and equipment.
• Develop detailed process documentation, including work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and manufacturing flow diagrams.
• Support supplier development and production readiness activities, ensuring quality and timing requirements are met.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and assembly issues.
• Support build events, test readiness reviews, and configuration control during prototype and pilot builds.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts targeting process efficiency, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Coordinate with the Quality and Product team to ensure conformance to specifications, standards, and traceability requirements.
• Participate in regular project meetings to provide manufacturing status updates and risk assessments.

In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, tasks relating to the following area will be assigned as required.

• Working knowledge of gearbox and driveline manufacturing methods including gear cutting, grinding, skiving, heat treatment, and inspection.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and CMM measurement.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (Creo, NX, Catia, or Solid Works) for reviewing models, creating tooling concepts, and interpreting prints.
• Working-level background in MS Word, Excel, MS Project, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; able to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and production teams.
• This specific role supports a U.S. DoD topic that is restricted to U.S. Citizens.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (MS preferred).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in drivetrain or mechanical system manufacturing, preferably in defense, automotive, or high-performance industries.

• Experience leading prototype or low-rate production builds.
• Background in gear manufacturing, assembly, and inspection.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Sage, SAP, Epicor, etc.).
• Experience with PLM systems (Windchill)
• Experience with tooling and fixture design.
• Understanding of heat treatment and surface finishing processes.
• Experience supporting DFM/A, PFMEA, and process validation activities.
• Knowledge of government and defense product compliance requirements.
• Active security clearance (Secret Level Tier 3 preferred).

• Ability to work hands‑on in the manufacturing area supporting builds and troubleshooting.
• Ability to operate standard hand tools, measurement devices, and inspection equipment.

• 8am–4pm core work hours (typically 45 hours per week on average).
• Project surge support and additional effort as needed to achieve deadlines.
• Some travel may be required for customer, supplier, and build‑site support.

• Work will primarily be performed in a manufacturing environment with frequent interaction on the production floor.
• Collaboration across operations, quality, and engineering teams is…