Principal Engineer – Drilling & Fastening
Ascent Aerospace.com
Office
Macomb, MI, 48042, US
Full Time
Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
We are seeking a Principal Engineer – Drilling & Fastening Systems to lead continuous improvement, research & development, and technical support activities for aerospace automated drilling, fastening, and riveting systems. This position emphasizes CNC-based architectures (Siemens SINUMERIK, FANUC, and others) and system enhancements to improve performance, accuracy, and reliability of drilling and fastening operations.
The Principal Engineer will act as a technical architect, supporting commissioning teams, guiding cross-functional engineering groups, and driving adoption of new drilling and fastening solutions across the organization. This role blends deep technical expertise with leadership in system integration, troubleshooting, and R&D innovation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Serve as the technical authority for automated drilling and fastening systems, including single-sided drilling, riveting, and fastening processes.
• Lead R&D initiatives to expand system capabilities (e.g., adaptive drilling, process monitoring, tool life management, force/torque feedback).
• Provide CNC technical support to commissioning teams during system startup, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance (remote support, no travel required).
• Collaborate with estimating to develop accurate technical content for proposals involving drilling/fastening systems.
• Partner with mechanical and controls engineers on system design for spindles, drilling heads, feed units, clamping mechanisms, and fastener insertion modules.
• Develop and maintain standards for CNC programming, process optimization, and automation integration specific to drilling and fastening systems.
• Lead development of standardizing drilling and fastening modules for use across multiple programs.
• Research and evaluate new technologies (cutting tool monitoring, vision-guided positioning, force-adaptive drilling, smart sensors) for aerospace fastening applications.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A, IEC 60204-1, ISO 13849/61508) and ITAR regulations.
• Review program metrics, troubleshoot system performance issues, and recommend improvements for cost, cycle time, and quality.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:
• BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering with 5+ years in aerospace drilling, fastening, or riveting automation.
• Deep knowledge of CNC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting (Siemens SINUMERIK, FANUC).
• Strong background in servo drive train design, high-accuracy positioning systems, and process monitoring.
• Leadership experience (3+ years) with cross-functional technical teams.
• Experience with aerospace standards and automated fastening integration.
• Proficiency with FMEA, safety system validation, and reliability engineering.
• Strong project execution and collaboration skills across engineering, commissioning, and customer teams.
• Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Interpersonal Skills – the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things when working with the various Internal/External stakeholders
• Oral communication – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.
• Written Communications – the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security – the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses office equipment and materials properly.
• Strategic Planning – Working in a team environment to establish group goal and objectives, and developing/implementing action plans focused on achievement.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
TRAVEL
This role does not require travel (0%). All support and technical leadership responsibilities will be conducted from Ascent facilities or via remote collaboration tools.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles.
• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• The employee may be exposed to vibration.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands.
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understanding that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
ABOUT US
Ascent Aerospace is a world renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace, defense and space industries. As the largest tooling group, Ascent produces a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest invar molds ever made for aerospace. As an automation provider and production system integrator, Ascent work with customers to develop their project and see it through from process engineering, to build and installation to ensure it is an efficient and cost effective solution.
No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
We are seeking a Principal Engineer – Drilling & Fastening Systems to lead continuous improvement, research & development, and technical support activities for aerospace automated drilling, fastening, and riveting systems. This position emphasizes CNC-based architectures (Siemens SINUMERIK, FANUC, and others) and system enhancements to improve performance, accuracy, and reliability of drilling and fastening operations.
The Principal Engineer will act as a technical architect, supporting commissioning teams, guiding cross-functional engineering groups, and driving adoption of new drilling and fastening solutions across the organization. This role blends deep technical expertise with leadership in system integration, troubleshooting, and R&D innovation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Serve as the technical authority for automated drilling and fastening systems, including single-sided drilling, riveting, and fastening processes.
• Lead R&D initiatives to expand system capabilities (e.g., adaptive drilling, process monitoring, tool life management, force/torque feedback).
• Provide CNC technical support to commissioning teams during system startup, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance (remote support, no travel required).
• Collaborate with estimating to develop accurate technical content for proposals involving drilling/fastening systems.
• Partner with mechanical and controls engineers on system design for spindles, drilling heads, feed units, clamping mechanisms, and fastener insertion modules.
• Develop and maintain standards for CNC programming, process optimization, and automation integration specific to drilling and fastening systems.
• Lead development of standardizing drilling and fastening modules for use across multiple programs.
• Research and evaluate new technologies (cutting tool monitoring, vision-guided positioning, force-adaptive drilling, smart sensors) for aerospace fastening applications.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A, IEC 60204-1, ISO 13849/61508) and ITAR regulations.
• Review program metrics, troubleshoot system performance issues, and recommend improvements for cost, cycle time, and quality.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:
• BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering with 5+ years in aerospace drilling, fastening, or riveting automation.
• Deep knowledge of CNC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting (Siemens SINUMERIK, FANUC).
• Strong background in servo drive train design, high-accuracy positioning systems, and process monitoring.
• Leadership experience (3+ years) with cross-functional technical teams.
• Experience with aerospace standards and automated fastening integration.
• Proficiency with FMEA, safety system validation, and reliability engineering.
• Strong project execution and collaboration skills across engineering, commissioning, and customer teams.
• Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Interpersonal Skills – the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things when working with the various Internal/External stakeholders
• Oral communication – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.
• Written Communications – the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security – the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses office equipment and materials properly.
• Strategic Planning – Working in a team environment to establish group goal and objectives, and developing/implementing action plans focused on achievement.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
TRAVEL
This role does not require travel (0%). All support and technical leadership responsibilities will be conducted from Ascent facilities or via remote collaboration tools.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles.
• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• The employee may be exposed to vibration.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands.
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understanding that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
ABOUT US
Ascent Aerospace is a world renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace, defense and space industries. As the largest tooling group, Ascent produces a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest invar molds ever made for aerospace. As an automation provider and production system integrator, Ascent work with customers to develop their project and see it through from process engineering, to build and installation to ensure it is an efficient and cost effective solution.
No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.
Principal Engineer – Drilling & Fastening
Office
Macomb, MI, 48042, US
Full Time
September 19, 2025