Manufacturing Engineer (CNC & Tooling)- IL USA CITIZENS ONLY, 5+ years or BS Engineering requiredal Engineer
Ekstrom Carlson
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (CNC & TOOLING)
We are seeking a skilled and autonomous Manufacturing Engineer (CNC & Tooling) to assist in cutting tool design, critical spindle repair projects, and directly program and operate our CNC tool grinders. This hybrid role bridges engineering application with hands-on, floor-level machining.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cutting Tool Design & Engineering
- Design custom cutting tools and geometry modifications using tool-grinding software and CAD platforms.
- Develop grinding programs and simulation models for specialized end mills, drills, step tools, and custom profiles.
- Select appropriate substrates , coatings, and edge preparations tailored to specific manufacturing applications.
2. Spindle Repair & Mechanical Engineering
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and reverse-engineer malfunctioning or worn spindles working with our repair technicians.
- Assist in repair workflows , bearing replacements, and modifications to maximize spindle longevity.
- Establish tolerances and runout specifications for rebuilt spindle assemblies using a strong mechanical approach.
3. CNC Tool Grinder Operation & Programming
- Assist in the programming and operation of multi-axis ANCA and TruTech CNC tool grinders to manufacture and recondition cutting tools.
- Conduct in-process inspections using precision equipment (micrometers, indicators, comparators) to maintain micron-level tolerances.
4. Continuous Improvement & Optimization
- Optimize grinding wheel speeds , feeds, and coolant delivery to maximize tool surface finish and minimize cycle times.
- Assist in preventative maintenance on CNC grinders, filtration systems, and chiller setups.
- Document engineering changes , tool blueprints, and standardized setup sheets for future production runs.
Job Requirements & QualificationsExperience & Education
- Education: Technical trade school, equivalent machine shop experience, or a degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering. Practical shop expertise is highly valued.
- Shop Experience: Solid, hands-on experience working directly with precision cutting tools is a plus.
- Machining and Programming Background: Prior experience programming and operating CNC machines, along with a deep understanding of how cutting tools perform in real-world milling applications, is highly beneficial.
- Mechanical Background: Prior knowledge of spindle repair or a strong mechanical background in rebuilding precision machinery is highly beneficial.
Technical Skills
- Machining: Proficiency or knowledge in G-code programming, machine setups, and tight-tolerance grinding operations, specifically on ANCA or TruTech platforms, is beneficial. If not experienced, the candidate must have the capability to quickly learn.
- Software: Experience with tool-grinding simulation packages (e.g., ANCA ToolRoom) or similar CNC programming software.
- Metrology: Expert capability using precision measurement tools, indicators, and optical tool presletters.
Soft Skills
- Strong technical problem-solving skills for diagnosing spindle vibration or tool failure modes.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on highly technical, custom projects.
- Excellent documentation habits to keep engineering prints and machine programs organized.
Company:
*Growing company focused on aggressively expanding in the future years.
*Health benefits and 401K included.
*Looking for people who are pro-active and customer focused, capable of producing only the highest quality tools and tool regrinds.
*Drug testing will be required.
Please send your resume.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
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