Manufacturing Engineering Technician-CNC Machining,Tooling and Fixtures

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on manufacturing professional with a strong background in process improvement, precision machining, tooling and fixture development, and manufacturing engineering. The ideal candidate combines mechanical aptitude and practical machining skills with the ability to improve production processes, develop custom tooling, and support new product introductions.

The successful candidate will be proficient in operating manual lathes, milling machines, and CNC equipment, with experience manufacturing, modifying, and repairing fixtures, jigs, tooling, and tool-and-die components. This individual will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and R&D to improve manufacturing efficiency, troubleshoot production challenges, and develop reliable, cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput, improve yield, reduce scrap, and lower production costs.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and production line balancing.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Evaluate machining processes, tooling, and production methods to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability.

Manufacturing Execution & Technical Support

• Provide hands-on technical support for daily manufacturing operations, troubleshooting equipment, machining, and process-related issues.
• Operate manual lathes, milling machines, and CNC machinery to manufacture precision components and support production requirements.
• Monitor process performance, identify root causes of manufacturing issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain safe, reliable, and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality to resolve production issues and improve product quality.
• Perform precision measurements and inspections to verify component dimensions and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support the transition of new products from design and development into production.
• Help establish manufacturing processes, machining methods, setup procedures, work instructions, and tooling requirements.
• Manufacture prototype components and develop fixtures and tooling to support product launches.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to address manufacturability challenges and ensure successful production implementation.

Tooling, Fixtures & 3D CAD

• Design, manufacture, modify, and repair tooling, fixtures, jigs, dies, and specialized manufacturing components.
• Utilize manual machining and CNC equipment to fabricate precision parts and custom tooling.
• Use 3D CAD software to create, interpret, and update engineering drawings, tooling designs, fixture models, and production layouts.
• Apply machining knowledge to evaluate designs, improve manufacturability, and develop effective workholding solutions.
• Support the development of efficient plant layouts, equipment configurations, and production workflows.

Documentation & Data Analysis

• Create and maintain technical process documentation, standard operating procedures, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Collect and analyze manufacturing data to evaluate cycle times, productivity, process capability, and quality performance.
• Document machining procedures, tooling requirements, process changes, and continuous improvement results.
• Prepare reports and recommendations to support manufacturing decisions and operational improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and R&D to implement manufacturing improvements and resolve technical challenges.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action initiatives.
• Support capital equipment evaluations, machining technology assessments, and tooling investment justifications.
• Provide hands-on machining and manufacturing expertise during design reviews, process validation, and equipment implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience operating manual lathes, milling machines, and CNC machining equipment.
• Strong hands-on machining experience in precision manufacturing, tooling, fixtures, and tool-and-die work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Experience fabricating, modifying, troubleshooting, and repairing precision tooling and mechanical components.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software for creating and modifying models, drawings, and layouts.
• Knowledge of machining methods, cutting tools, workholding, dimensional tolerances, and inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience identifying manufacturing inefficiencies and implementing practical process improvements.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CNC programming, machine setup, and machining process optimization.
• Background in custom fixture design, tool-and-die manufacturing, and prototype development.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and manufacturing process validation.
• Knowledge of statistical process control and manufacturing process capability.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing professional who combines advanced machining capabilities with manufacturing engineering and continuous improvement expertise. This individual can independently operate manual and CNC machinery, build and repair precision tooling and fixtures, interpret CAD designs, troubleshoot manufacturing problems, and implement solutions that improve quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

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