Special Process Engineering - Welding

Ready to make your next move? A career at STS Aerospace allows you to take ownership of challenges, think creatively and be a part of our exciting growth journey.

STS Aerospace in Laconia, NH is searching for a Special Process Engineer - Welding to join the team. This position provides technical oversight and will drive continuous improvement across various specialized processes, with a focus on the welding process.  This role involves working closely with all engineering functions, cross functional team members within the organization and at all levels, to develop, optimize, and maintain critical processes.  The Special Process Engineer will also lead qualifications, certifications, and audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and with reasonable accommodation when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Process Development & Continuous Development:

• Provide technical oversight for all special processes, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Maintain and update detailed process procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for process‑related and supplier‑related issues.

Special Process Ownership & Technical Leadership:

• Develop, optimize, and validate special processes to improve quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
•  Identify and implement process improvements, new technologies, and automation opportunities.
• Conduct process capability studies and develop control plans.

Qualifications, Certifications & Training:

• Manage operator and process qualifications, including certification programs.
• Provide training, coaching, and technical guidance to engineering, production, and quality staff.
• Oversee technical performance and compliance of sub‑tier suppliers.

System, Tooling & Equipment Engineering:

• Design and implement process systems that meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Develop specialized fixtures and tooling to support welding, brazing, heat treat, and chemical processes.
• Identify, procure, and maintain essential equipment, including calibration and maintenance oversight.

Customer & Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary liaison for special processes with customers such as Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate process improvements and resolve technical challenges.

Documentation, Planning & Compliance:

• Develop operational sheets, schedules, data cards, and process parameters.
• Lead internal and external audits, including Nadcap, customer, and internal quality audits.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Welding, Brazing, Heat Treat & Chemical Processes:

• Provide oversight for manual and orbital GTAW welding, including equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Manage welding programs and operator qualifications.
• Support brazing, heat treat, and chemical processing operations as needed.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field; advanced degrees preferred, or equivalent work experience.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in special process engineering.

Preferred Candidate Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of welding and other specialized manufacturing processes.
• Experience with control plans, process development, and audit management.
• Experience with Nadcap, customer, and regulatory standards.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication (oral and written) skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental & Vision  insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Paid time off
• Tuition Reimbursement

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)