Manufacturing Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Lab

Job Title:

Manufacturing Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (Mentor, OH) About the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory

The Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory in Mentor, Ohio is being established as a cutting-edge facility designed to support the development, integration, and operation of next-generation manufacturing technologies. The laboratory will serve as a hands-on environment for automated and advanced manufacturing, housing capabilities such as additive manufacturing, composites processing, CNC machining, metrology, and testing.
This facility will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing innovation, supporting production readiness, and enabling experimentation and technology maturation. Built from the ground up, the lab represents a long-term investment in advanced manufacturing excellence, workforce capability, and operational readiness.

About the role and team

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a central and highly visible role in the design, development, and operation of the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory. This is a high-impact opportunity for a mid- to senior-level manufacturing professional to help shape a new capability from concept through steady-state operation.
You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and leadership teams to define facility layout, equipment integration, operational standards, and long-term manufacturing strategy. This role is ideal for a hands-on, systems-minded engineer who enjoys building new capabilities, establishing best practices, and working across disciplines in a dynamic technical environment.
The team culture values collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Candidates who are self-starters, adaptable, and comfortable operating in evolving environments will thrive in this role.

Responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading and supporting the design and layout of an advanced manufacturing laboratory, including equipment flow, safety considerations, utilities, and infrastructure requirements

• Developing, documenting, and maintaining operational standards, processes, and procedures for laboratory operations and advanced manufacturing equipment

• Overseeing and coordinating the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of manufacturing equipment, including additive manufacturing systems, composites equipment, CNC machines, metrology, testing, and automation technologies

• Supporting the initial operation and ramp-up of the facility by ensuring equipment readiness, process stability, and compliance with applicable standards

• Collaborating with engineering, operations, and leadership stakeholders to align laboratory capabilities with organizational goals and future manufacturing needs

• Identifying and driving opportunities for manufacturing efficiency, automation, and technology integration over time

• Ensuring adherence to safety, quality, security, and compliance requirements throughout facility development and ongoing operations

On a typical day, you might:

• Review facility layout plans and coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders on equipment placement and infrastructure needs

• Lead a walkthrough of newly installed manufacturing equipment to support commissioning and acceptance activities

• Develop or refine standard operating procedures for advanced manufacturing or laboratory operations

• Troubleshoot early production or process issues during facility ramp-up

• Meet with cross-functional teams to align future technology additions with operational and strategic objectives

About our ideal candidate:

• Holds a Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)

• Has mid- to senior-level experience working in a manufacturing environment

• Possesses a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, with hands-on or practical exposure to automated or advanced manufacturing systems

• Has experience supporting or leading facility setup, equipment installation, or production line development

• Demonstrates the ability to develop clear standards, procedures, and technical documentation

• Exhibits strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams

• Able to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with materials-focused manufacturing, including metals, polymers, and/or composites

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, composites processing, and/or metrology and testing systems

• Experience working in advanced manufacturing labs, R&D environments, or pilot production facilities

• Prior involvement in bringing new manufacturing capabilities online from concept through operational readiness

Additional Information:

• On-site, full-time position located in Mentor, Ohio

• Minimal travel expected

• No clearance required to start; ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance is mandatory

NCDMM is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive…