Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Kentucky are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, logistics equipment production, and consumer goods, with openings at every level from entry-level process roles to senior process improvement leads. Louisville, Lexington, and the Bowling Green corridor are the most active hiring markets, anchored by employers like Toyota, GE Appliances, and Ford. Process engineering, lean manufacturing, and automation integration are the specialties drawing the most consistent interest from Kentucky hiring managers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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BAE Systems, a leading defense contractor and Fortune 500 Company, is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining to join our Naval weapon systems team in Louisville, Kentucky. At BAE Systems, we value our workforce and their well-being. We prioritize safety, offer generous benefits, and promote work life balance, like a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.
Our ideal candidate will challenge our current operations and focus on improving all facets of our machining processes across the site. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining will be one of the leaders in machining innovation across the Production Value Stream and will be at the forefront of problem solving and resolution to technical production barriers. He/She will be responsible for ensuring technical compliance to manufacturing processes, policies, and procedures while providing innovative solutions to our cross-functional teams to improve customer delivery, cost and schedule.
As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Machining, you will…
- Provide strategic technical direction and guidance on complex projects, influencing technical decisions and ensuring alignment with business goals
- Work with cross-functional teams, including design, quality, and production, to ensure seamless integration of machining processes
- Develop and optimize new machining processes, improve existing ones, and create necessary tooling and fixtures to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
- Identify new or additional equipment needs related to existing or new product manufacture
- Evaluate new or used equipment to determine benefits and return on investment, ability to maintain the physical and dimensional requirements of components, assemblies and products, and ability to meet safety and ergonomic requirements
- Prepare BOE's and appropriations for approvals and administrator spending of budgeted funding for tooling, fixtures, and equipment
- Monitor machine performances and work with Maintenance & Operations to coordinate preventative maintenance schedules and tooling & equipment calibration
- Identifying and resolving complex technical issues related to machining processes, equipment and product quality
- Provide technical support to machinists & shop personnel, Operations and Scheduling
- Work with Quality Engineering to implement and maintain quality control measures throughout the machining process to include monitoring, periodic and final inspections
- Create and maintain documentation for routers & work instructions, tooling & equipment specifications, and engineering changes
- Create and maintain adequate documentation for analysis research, and historical records related to machining processes
- Collaborate with Design, Quality and Operations to resolve manufacturing issues
- Support training and development of shop and floor personnel in machining best practices
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- B.S. degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline or overall equivalent experience
- Proficiency in using Siemens NX software for design & modeling of fixtures, components & parts, and connected to machine programming (highly preferred).
- Experience with Vericut or other machining simulation software
- Strong knowledge of CNC machining (Lathes, Turning, Milling, Hobbing, Routers, Cutters, Grinding, Drilling, EDM, Machine Centers), manual machining, and related equipment, tooling & fixturing
- Strong familiarity with GD&T, blueprint reading, and machine tolerances
- Experience with MRP type systems and shop floor data collection
- Knowledge of materials and metallurgy relevant to maching operations
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of quality control procedures, inspection requirements, and relevant industry standards
- Ability to plan, execute, and manage complex projects, ensuring they are completed successfully on-time and with high-quality results
- Strong problem-solving, priority setting, team engagement, communication and project management skills
- Proficiency of MS Office Suite products (SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.)
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Defense Contracting Experience
- 7+ years in a machine and manufacturing operation/environment
- Excellent time management, interpersonal and leadership skills
- Experience with the programming of multiple head configurations
- Experience with the programming of complex 3,4,5 axis mills, and multi-axis vertical & horizontal lathes
- Directing the creation of ROM's, BOE and quoting of equipment & tooling
- Professional Certifications (PMP, CQE, Six Sigma, ISO, Problem Solving, etc.).
- Program/Project Management (PMP highly favored)
- Experience in utilizing Lean manufacturing methods to reduce costs & improve quality
- Experience in value stream mapping, Visio, and the layout of machining operations
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
See All 40 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
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Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Retail
- Automotive
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing engineer jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering or a closely related field
- Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Creo for design and process documentation
- Hands-on experience applying lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles in a production environment
- Familiarity with statistical process control and quality management systems such as ISO or IATF standards
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and manufacturing process plans
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for coordinating with production, quality, and supply chain teams
Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing engineer in Kentucky?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering is the standard entry requirement for manufacturing engineer roles in Kentucky. Kentucky does not require a state-issued license specifically for manufacturing engineers working in private industry, though engineers who offer services to the public may pursue licensure through the Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Most employers also value co-op or internship experience and familiarity with lean or quality standards from day one.
How much do manufacturing engineers make in Kentucky?
Manufacturing engineers in Kentucky earn a median of about $96,820 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,980 for the lowest 10% to over $135,720 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing engineers in Kentucky?
Employers hiring manufacturing engineers in Kentucky right now include GE Appliances, Jabil, and BAE Systems USA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's deep automotive and appliance manufacturing base means large assembly and component plants are consistently among the most active sources of manufacturing engineer openings in the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most manufacturing engineer jobs?
Louisville, Florence, and Scottsville lead Kentucky for manufacturing engineer openings. Louisville drives the largest share of postings through its concentration of appliance, logistics equipment, and automotive supply chain facilities, while Lexington and Bowling Green draw significant demand from Toyota's Georgetown and Princeton operations and their surrounding supplier networks, making even smaller metro areas competitive hiring markets for this role.
Are there remote manufacturing engineer jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing engineers typically work directly on production lines, in plant facilities, or alongside tooling and quality teams, which limits remote work by the nature of the role. About 9% of manufacturing engineer openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those postings generally cover tasks like process documentation, supplier auditing, or CAD design work that can be done off-site.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing engineer in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or co-op programs at Kentucky's large automotive and appliance manufacturers, where structured rotational programs are common for candidates with an engineering degree but limited plant experience. Employers like Toyota and GE Appliances run established programs for new graduates in Kentucky. Transitioning from roles such as quality technician, production supervisor, or process technician is another common route, and candidates who hold a Fundamentals of Engineering credential or a Six Sigma Green Belt stand out early in the hiring process.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across industries. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, preferred region, and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
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