Joe Manzanares
Santa Clarita,California
Summary
Highly accomplished Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager with over two decades of extensive experience in the aerospace industry. A seasoned leader known for driving operational excellence, I have successfully managed complex manufacturing processes, led cross-functional teams, and played a pivotal role in delivering high-quality products. My expertise includes process optimization, cost reduction strategies, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance production efficiency. Proven track record in project management, ensuring on-time and within budget delivery.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
SR. Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Virgin Galactic
06.2023 - Current
- Managing cross-functional teams, streamlining communication between departments for more efficient project execution and adherence to KPP's
- Overseeing successful implementation of multiple projects simultaneously adhering strictly to budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality deliverables that met customer expectations
- Managing the standup of a new greenfield final assembly facility in Phoenix, AZ, transitioning from development to production of the next generation Delta class Spaceships
- Provide technical expertise during designs reviews to ensure manufacturability both internally and externally with vendors and suppliers.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Virgin Galactic
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed team of 40+ Manufacturing Engineers, Tooling Designers, and Industrial Engineers to successfully complete the execution of the major modification to our Spaceline Mothership
- Created manufacturing guidelines and plan for new product development while collaborating with suppliers to ensure they meet on time delivery with a 99% first time fabrication yield.
Lead Development Engineer
The Spaceship Company
04.2018 - 08.2021
- Hands on R&D leader that expanded manufacturing capabilities for future company projects
- Co-created method, design, process, and tooling to manufacture composite control cables for White Knight 2, resulting in two new patents for Virgin Galactic
- Developed processes and designed equipment to fabricate and test pultruded carbon fiber rotor blades for a potential E-VTOL project, which would produce 1 blade per 15 minutes
- Performed manufacturing trials to develop thermoplastic composite braided preforms for elongated structural profiles
- Co-created method to produce curved, continuous formed thermoplastic T-stringers and hat sections, reducing part count and manufacturing time.
Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer
The Spaceship Company
03.2015 - 04.2018
- Project Manager, overseeing all details of purchasing two new industrial composite curing ovens, autoclave, and a hot press, including the design of a new building to house the equipment, working closely with the contractors, procurement, and the facilities team to ensure that this project was completed on time and within budget
- Researched, tested, and implemented a new manufacturing process utilizing washout tooling for complex parts
- Included in this is a new co-bonded process for I-beam rib fabrication and co-bonded assemblies to reduce the assembly build time by 80%
- Create work instructions for manufacturing to build and assemble all parts.
Production Supervisor
The Spaceship Company
2010 - 2015
- Integral part of completing the setup of the production floor, utilizing 5S and lean concepts, then transitioning that to an efficient production facility that continually strives to improve and produce the safest, highest quality space line vehicles
- Worked with planning to create and manage daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual production delivery schedules while adjusting resources to achieve these goals
- Responsible for staffing a highly motivated team, setting performance objectives, giving performance appraisals, and resolving personnel issues as they arise
- Managed required overtime and labor while ensuring that team members maintain an adequate work/life balance
- Worked closely with all departments including engineering, purchasing, logistics, safety, and operations
- Identify deficiencies and implement training courses to improve the quality of the products produced while reducing the overall tact time
- Review highly complex engineering designs, processes, and work instructions to ensure accuracy and manufacturability of all parts.
Method Engineer/ Tooling Team Lead
Bombardier, Learjet
03.2008 - 12.2010
- Built a full-size L-85 Mock-up Wing, Aft Fuselage, and Belly Fairings, to simulate installation of key components and to validate ergonomics and manufacturability
- Created the Condition of Supply Documents for the acceptance of the L-85 from the manufacturing plant to the Final Assembly line in Wichita
- Worked within an IPDT to produce the assembly sequence of the entire L-85 aircraft through Catia models and simulations
- Collaborated with design engineering and suppliers to harmonize on dock dates for our new L-85 composite aircraft
- Utilized lean concepts to modify the legacy production floor, reducing traveled footsteps an average of 40% per production cell.
Composite Manufacturing Supervisor
Adam Aircraft
01.2004 - 02.2008
- Supervised a team of 30+ skilled workers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluation for continuous improvement.
Education
Skills
- Business Development
- Training and Mentoring
- Tooling Design
- Root Cause Analysis
- Evaluation Performance
- Production Planning
- Operations Management
- GD&T
- Lean Manufacturing Expertise
- DFMA Implementation
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- MS Project
- Visio
Timeline
SR. Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Virgin Galactic
06.2023 - Current
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Virgin Galactic
08.2021 - 06.2023
Lead Development Engineer
The Spaceship Company
04.2018 - 08.2021
Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer
The Spaceship Company
03.2015 - 04.2018
Method Engineer/ Tooling Team Lead
Bombardier, Learjet
03.2008 - 12.2010
Composite Manufacturing Supervisor
Adam Aircraft
01.2004 - 02.2008
Production Supervisor
The Spaceship Company
2010 - 2015