Production & Obsolescence Engineer

• Manage Obsolescence Cases: Identify, prioritize, and develop strategies to resolve obsolescence issues for aircraft components. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and other teams to source, manufacture, or reverse-engineer parts.
• Production Support: Oversee the manufacturing support process for proprietary or licensed parts, ensuring efficient and cost-effective solutions. Liaise with suppliers, buyers, and program managers to ensure the smooth execution of production orders.
• Alternative Solutions: Review technical drawings, bills of materials, and technical handbooks to propose alternative materials, production methods, or reverse-engineering solutions to avoid obsolescence or find viable alternatives for parts.
• Supplier Liaison: Provide technical support to suppliers regarding manufacturing specifications, tooling requirements, and process improvements. Ensure alignment with engineering designs and manufacturing standards.
• Inspection & Quality Assurance: Develop and manage First Article Inspection (FAI) criteria and Technical Inspections to ensure that manufactured parts meet the required quality and compliance standards.
• Documentation & Compliance: Manage and maintain accurate parts master data in the ERP system, including ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to Harmonized Tariff Export Classification and Hazardous Materials. Support the preparation and submission of correct export classifications and documentation, ensuring compliance with REACH regulations, and managing hazardous material data.
• Tooling and Logistics Management: In coordination with logistics, monitor and maintain the condition of production tooling and molds. Ensure tooling is tracked accurately in the ERP system, especially when consigned to production facilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively engage in continuous improvement initiatives within production processes, sourcing strategies, and supply chain optimization to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work in cross-functional teams with Design Engineers, Quality Engineers, Program Managers, Sales Representatives, and Operational Buyers to solve complex production issues, prioritize tasks, and implement solutions.
• Reverse Engineering & Alternative Manufacturing Methods: Investigate and implement sustainable solutions, including reverse-engineering and alternative manufacturing techniques, to address obsolescence and ensure long-term part availability at minimal cost.
• Export and Regulatory Assistance: Support the Harmonized Tariff Export Classification process, ensuring that all components are correctly classified for international shipments, in compliance with relevant export control regulations. Assist in managing Hazardous Material information and ensuring proper labeling, packaging, and documentation for shipping.

• Educational Requirements:

MBO4 or HBO degree (or equivalent experience) in a technical field, such as mechanical engineering, aerospace, or industrial engineering.

• Experience:

Proven experience in working with ERP systems and Quality Management Systems, preferably within the aviation industry.

Hands-on experience with obsolescence processes and lifecycle management.

Solid understanding of production techniques such as machining, casting, forging, thermoforming, and 3D printing.

Familiarity with aviation regulations (e.g., EASA Part 21G, AS9100) and aircraft maintenance programs.

• Skills:

Advanced Communication Skills: Fluency in both Dutch and English (written and verbal) is essential.

Strong commercial and technical insight, with the ability to make informed decisions based on both cost and technical requirements.

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to find sustainable solutions to complex issues, often under tight deadlines.

Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work efficiently within predefined plans and schedules.

Experience in reverse engineering, alternative sourcing, and identifying production methods to resolve obsolescence challenges.

• Personal Attributes:

Customer-focused with the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external.

Flexible, open-minded, and adaptable to change, able to work in a dynamic and changing environment.

Stress-resistant and capable of delivering under pressure, especially when faced with urgent AOG (Aircraft on Ground) requests.

Team-oriented, with a collaborative approach to working across functions and geographies.