Product Engineer Jobs in Torrance, CA

Company Overview

AMS Group, Inc. is a leading distributor, manufacturer and supplier of engineered aerospace and defense systems, components, and subsystems, providing innovative technologies and logistics support to defense and security markets. We are a rapidly growing small business (100 employees) with our headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia and offices in Stevensville, Maryland; Kearneysville, West Virginia; San Diego and Torrance, California. AMS Group, Inc. and its business units are committed to conducting business in a legal, ethical, and socially responsible manner. We consistently focus on creating value and innovation to benefit our partners, clients and customers while also ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Product and Manufacturing Engineer for our AMS Operations business unit based in Torrance, CA.

The Product and Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on technical role for an engineer who enjoys variety and thrives on problem solving. Responsibilities range from technical data package (TDP) review and gap analysis for legacy LRUs to solving component obsolescence issues to generating CAD models from drawings and technical vendor coordination. The position provides the opportunity to see a project through the complete product lifecycle, and requires someone who is comfortable applying technical judgment across multiple disciplines. It is a perfect role for an engineer who is intellectually curious, takes ownership of projects, and is motivated by solving real problems on critical programs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and analyze TDPs including engineering drawings and specifications – identify gaps, risks, ambiguities, and manufacturability concerns to ensure a smooth production process.
• Identify and solve obsolescence issues through a variety of methods including alternate product research and testing, qualification by requirement, and reverse engineering.
• Research and evaluate suppliers, assess manufacturing capability against technical and quality requirements, serve as a technical point of contact for key vendors, and surface issues early before they affect schedule or quality.
• Create and manage engineering documentation. drawings, BOMs, specifications, assembly instructions and ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards.
• Apply engineering judgment to recommend design or process changes when issues arise in production, from suppliers, or from customers with appropriate rationale and risk assessment.
• Support the change management process by drafting ECRs/ECOs – evaluate the impact of changes on structure, geometry, weight, and OEM license scope.
• Support production by answering technical questions and resolving non-conformances.
• Work with limited precedent when necessary by researching applicable standards, processes, or technologies and apply findings to solve problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Minimum Requirements

• Proficient knowledge of machined parts, castings, sheet metal fabrication, and specialty processes (surface treatments, bonding, potting) and ability to assess manufacturability and process risk.
• Exposure to electronics and circuit card assemblies (CCAs), enough to engage meaningfully on LRU-level electrical packaging, connector selection, and basic circuit functionality.
• CAD proficiency including the ability to create parts and assemblies from scratch, modify existing geometry, and generate drawings to GD&T standards (SolidWorks preferred).
• Ability to read and produce detail drawings, assembly drawings, and BOMs.
• Estimation skills – ability to scope an engineering task, identify unknowns, and give a realistic schedule commitment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal communication and management skills.
• Ability to manage own workload: plan, estimate, track, and communicate progress on parallel tasks without requiring close supervision.
• Ability to research unfamiliar domains and apply first principles to new problems without being handed a solution.
• Strong technical reasoning – ability to evaluate a situation, identify critical elements, and make a recommendation.
• Limited travel required in support of supplier and customer visits.

WORK EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated capability.
• 3–8 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing, MRO, or product development environment.
• Experience working with Military Specifications, ISO9001, AS9100 and other aerospace/defense standards.
• Familiarity with industry standards including IPC, SAE, and other similar standards.
• Experience supporting government contracts and defense programs preferred.
• Experience using an ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar.

AMS Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of the ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.