Process Development Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance

About Wolfram ManufacturingWolfram Manufacturing is a precision CNC production shop and technology lab in Austin, TX. We specialize in medium-to-high volume metal parts, run advanced multi-axis equipment, and work with a small roster of demanding OEM customers. We take the work seriously, keep a tight team, and care about getting things right. 

The RoleWe are hiring a highly experienced Process Development Engineer to work directly alongside our Engineering Director. This hire is about capacity: more parts, more fun, more processes and opportunities to optimize and automate. Whether it is bringing a new part online for automated production, conducting design for manufacturing reviews with customers or doing triage on one of the unique ways manufacturing can surprise you – this is fun stuff.

This role is not in a vacuum – it is part of a team. You will work closely with our Production Engineering Manager, who owns scheduling, floor execution, and process data in OnTakt — our internal production platform. They aim the artillery and you bring it.

This is a hands-on role, not just a desk job. Proving out a process improvement or brand new part is all yours. Something wrong with the machine and you know how to make it better – let’s do it.

We are nerds and makers to the core. We love data and working through problems. There may be some D&D players, but we don’t rely on luck.

This is an individual contributor role. No direct reports.

What You Will Do•     Develop creative manufacturing processes primarily but not exclusively for CNC machines
•     Program these manufacturing processes for our various CNC machines
•     Prove out the processes on the CNC’s
•     Help design and make fixtures, tools, and even new machines or automations as necessary
•     Document CNC processes clearly in OnTakt — setup sheets, work instructions, and in-system process notes for excellent handoffs
•     Support production operators with troubleshooting and slack support
•     Maintain and improve the health and performance of these processes
•     Communicate clearly and respectfully with the team
•     Continually look for opportunities to improve the shop way of life – processes, programs, or otherwise
•     Work closely with our Engineering Director to keep a reliable high standard of execution

Our EquipmentYou will be programming for a mix of multi-axis turning centers, Swiss-type lathes, vertical machining, and EDM:
Machine | Type | Control Axes | Control
Okuma Multus B250 | Multi-axis mill-turn | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSP
Okuma Multus B400 | Multi-axis mill-turn | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSP
Tsugami TMA8F (×5) | Multi-axis turning | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | Fanuc
Okuma LB3000 (×3) | CNC turning | 4 axis / 6 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSP
Tsugami S206 Swiss (×2) | Swiss-type lathe | 6-8 axis | Fanuc
Fanuc Robodrill (×1) | Vertical machining | 4 axis | Fanuc
Fanuc Robocut EDM (×2) | Wire EDM | 2 axis | Fanuc
Sodick EDM (×1) | Wire/Sinker EDM | 2 axis | Sodick

Materials: hardened 4140, 416R stainless, polycarbonate, aluminum, tool steel, and other stainless alloys.

What We Are Looking For Required
•     Multi-axis CNC programming experience — turning, milling, live tooling
•     Experience programming for tight tolerances in hardened or stainless materials
•     Proficiency in at least one professional CAM platform (Mastercam, Esprit, Hypermill, TopSolid, or equivalent — we use TopSolid and will provide training for the right candidate)
•     Ability to read and program directly from engineering drawings
•     Clear documentation habits — you write things down so others can follow them
•     Self-directed work style — you can absorb direction, then execute independently
•     US Person status - required for the nature of our work
•     Ability to pass a Firearms Background Check (NICS) – required for the nature of our work

Strongly Preferred
•     Swiss-type lathe programming experience
•     EDM programming (wire or sinker)
•     Okuma OSP or Fanuc control familiarity
•     Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a closely related field is a bonus, but a life well lived in this world carries equal weight.

What Success Looks Like in Year One•     No machine crashes
•     Trust of the Engineering Director is earned — you are driving process development independently with a high bar for quality.
•     Shop floor team can setup and operate your processes with the clear thoughtful documentation you put in OnTakt 
•     Healthy flow of constructive ideas and improvements established

Compensation & BenefitsBase salary: $115,000 – $125,000+ depending on experience.
Full benefits package including health coverage, 401(k) with company match, PTO, and shoe reimbursement.