Rafael Aguilar
Phoenix
Summary
Dynamic Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer with over six years of experience optimizing production processes, supporting new product introductions, and driving operational excellence in aerospace and high-reliability environments. Demonstrated expertise in leading manufacturing transitions, standardizing processes across extensive part portfolios, and leveraging data-driven improvements to significantly reduce defects. Proficient in process validation, statistical process control (SPC), tooling integration, and fostering cross-functional collaboration among design, quality, and supply chain teams. Achievements include delivering cost savings exceeding $200K, enhancing process consistency by 40%, and accelerating development timelines by 15%, all while maintaining compliance and ensuring efficient, on-time production performance.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2)
Honeywell
Tempe, AZ
04.2025 - 11.2025
- Led manufacturing execution for pneumatic valve assemblies, supporting aerospace engine hardware production.
- Reduced defect risk by 18% and improved process consistency by 40% through targeted process improvements.
- Standardized manufacturing workflows across 1,366 part numbers, enabling scalable and repeatable production.
- Directed supplier and facility transitions, achieving a 25% reduction in transition timelines.
- Delivered technical updates, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies to engineering and program leadership.
Manufacturing Engineer
Boeing
San Antonio, TX
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Supported advanced manufacturing for complex aerospace assemblies in a highly regulated environment.
- Led process improvement initiatives that improved production efficiency and reduced schedule delays by 15%.
- Implemented SPC and data analysis methods to enhance process capability and quality performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing constraints and prevent production bottlenecks.
- Supported readiness reviews for new and modified processes, ensuring full compliance before release.
Quality Engineer
Time’s Microwave Systems
Mesa, AZ
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Executed process validation and inspection planning to ensure product reliability and compliance.
- Analyzed production data to identify improvement opportunities, reducing defects by 18%.
- Resolved quality issues affecting throughput, improving on-time delivery and reducing downtime.
- Ensured compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives that contributed to over $200K in cost savings.
Manufacturing Engineer
Quest Global / Honeywell
Phoenix, AZ
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Supported aerospace manufacturing programs through process optimization and technical problem solving.
- Implemented manufacturing improvements that increased productivity and reduced material waste.
- Conducted feasibility studies and readiness assessments for new product and process introductions.
- Collaborated with design, quality, and supply chain teams to improve manufacturing system performance.
- Accelerated development timelines by 15% through streamlined manufacturing processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12-2016
Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Communication & Technical Reporting
- Project Coordination
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Advanced Manufacturing Processes
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Process Optimization & Validation
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- CAD Software (CATIA V4/V5, SolidWorks)
- Kaizen principles
- Operational excellence
- Quality management systems
- Additive manufacturing
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Production planning
- Failure modes and effects analysis
- Industrial automation
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Computer-aided design
- Machine learning
- Computer-aided manufacturing
- Six sigma methodologies
- Finite element analysis
- Simulation software
- Advanced robotics
- Value stream mapping
- Material science
- Statistical process control
- Manufacturing safety protocols
- Internet of things
- 5S methodology
- Production monitoring
- Maintenance planning
Accomplishments
- $200K+ cost savings through process improvements.
- 25% reduction in facility transition timelines.
- 18% reduction in manufacturing defects.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
2016 – 2020
Relevant Coursework:
CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Rapid Prototyping, Data Science & Statistics, Testing & Validation, Mechanical Design, Sensors & Controls
Timeline
Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2)
Honeywell
04.2025 - 11.2025
Manufacturing Engineer
Boeing
02.2024 - 09.2024
Quality Engineer
Time’s Microwave Systems
10.2022 - 01.2024
Manufacturing Engineer
Quest Global / Honeywell
06.2021 - 10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Arizona State University