Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer
Saab · Grayling, MI
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $116k–$151k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 6+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 28 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior manufacturing role at Saab (aerospace & defense) in Grayling, MI.
- They ask for
- 6+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation, Plant layout
- Base pay
- $116k–$151k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Michigan: typical posted base $78k–$162k. This one lists $116k–$151k.
Median of the low and high ends of 25 live postings that list pay, out of 70 manufacturing engineer openings in Michigan, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Michigan plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 69 other live manufacturing postings in Michigan.
- Base pay
- About 9% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (6+ vs 4+)
Typical $78k–$166k, from 24 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ New product launch 64%
- ✓ Tooling 53%
- ✓ Lean 39%
- ✓ Root cause 34%
- FMEA 34%
- Team leadership 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SAP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Saab
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from SaabAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer provides technical leadership and expertise in the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems. This role leads complex, cross-functional engineering initiatives from concept through production implementation, with a focus on safety, quality, cost, delivery, reliability, and continuous improvement. Serving as a senior technical resource, this position collaborates with key stakeholders across the organization to develop innovative and scalable manufacturing solutions, resolve complex production challenges, and drive improvements that support overall business objectives.
Job
responsibilities
- ◆Lead technical discussions and drive alignment among stakeholders with differing priorities, requirements, or perspectives
- ◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business needs, resolve complex issues, and develop effective manufacturing solutions
- ◆Develop and improve manufacturing standards, procedures, work instructions, and engineering practices
- ◆Develop testing, validation, and evaluation methods to determine the effectiveness and capability of new or modified manufacturing processes
- ◆Track project performance, identify risks and barriers, and coordinate appropriate actions to maintain progress toward business objectives
- ◆Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root-cause analysis, and other structured problem-solving methodologies
- ◆Lead equipment selection, specification, installation, qualification, and process validation activities
- ◆Develop and optimize processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, cost, and overall equipment effectiveness
- ◆Lead manufacturing engineering projects from concept through implementation, validation, and production launch
- ◆Translate complex technical issues and engineering recommendations into clear business impacts, risks, opportunities, and actionable decisions
- ◆Evaluate manufacturing processes and data to identify opportunities for process capability, efficiency, and cost improvements
- ◆Provide technical leadership and subject-matter expertise for manufacturing processes and engineering projects
- ◆Use manufacturing data and performance metrics to drive fact-based decisions and continuous improvement
- ◆Identify and implement new technologies, methods, and best practices to improve manufacturing capabilities
- ◆Communicate project status, technical risks, recommendations, and results to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
- ◆Adapt communication and presentation styles to effectively communicate technical information to engineers, operators, management, and executive leadership
- ◆Take accountability for assigned project or team deliverables and ensure commitments are achieved within established timelines and requirement
Required Qualifications
- ✓8 plus years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
- ✓Strong experience in manufacturing process development, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement
- ✓Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering projects from concept through implementation and production
- ✓Proficiency with engineering documentation, data analysis, and standard manufacturing engineering tools
- ✓Strong technical communication, presentation, influencing, and interpersonal skills
- ✓Ability to independently determine appropriate engineering methods, procedures, and evaluation criteria for complex assignments.
- ✓Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- ✓Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- ✓Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Knowledge of statistical analysis and process control methods
- ✓Experience with simulation software, or facility layout tools
- ✓Experience in defense manufacturing environments
- ✓Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms
- ✓Experience with implementing automation tooling and equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Citizenship
Requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility
requirements
for access to classified information.
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Drug-Free Workplaces
Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits
Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
Highlights include
- •Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
- •Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
- •401(k) with employer contributions
- •Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
- •Wellness and employee assistance resources
- •Employee stock purchase opportunities
- •Short-term and long-term disability coverage
About Us
Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commerc