Manufacturing Engineering Specialist -- Composites & Precision Plastics

Job Description

Job Description

Build What Others Can’t

At Atlas Fibre in Northbrook, IL, we turn advanced materials into mission-critical components. If you thrive on cracking tough machining problems and translating ideas into robust CNC processes, this role puts you at the center of the action.

Imagine This

A new plastic/composite NPI hits the floor. You partner with a machinist to review CAD models and GD&T, map a risk register, and draft a fixturing concept. You simulate and program in Mastercam, prove out the process on our Fanuc/Okuma VMCs, then write crystal-clear setup sheets. When an inspection trend appears, you lead a quick root-cause investigation and implement a corrective action that sticks—improving capability and shortening cycle time.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Hands-on support for day-to-day machining operations
• Rapid troubleshooting of quality, tooling, fixturing, and process issues
• Process development for composite and high-performance plastic parts
• Mastercam programming and optimization
• Workholding/fixture design and deployment
• Root-cause analysis and corrective action leadership
• Cross-functional collaboration with machinists, programmers, quality, and leadership
• Authoring setup sheets, work instructions, and engineering standards
• NPI support and production transitions
• Equipment validation, capability studies, and continuous improvement
• Risk evaluation and implementation of practical, quality-focused solutions

What You Need to Succeed Required

• 5+ years in Manufacturing Engineering/CNC Programming
• Expertise in CNC machining processes
• Mastercam (or similar CAM) proficiency
• Fluent with prints, CAD models, GD&T, and inspection methods
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability
• Strong tooling/machining fundamentals
• Clear, collaborative communicator
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, on-site environment

Preferred

• Plastics/composites/engineered materials machining
• Vericut (or similar) experience
• Fixture design/workholding
• Renishaw probing and machine calibration
• Lean and continuous improvement
• 4- and 5-axis machining
• Process validation, capability studies, statistics
• NPI and launch support

Schedule, Location, and Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site in Northbrook, IL
• Monday–Friday, day shift

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $125,000–$150,000 (experience/skill dependent)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays (PTO accrual)
• Professional development and training opportunities

Tools, Machines, and Proficiencies

• CAM: Mastercam
• CNC Mills: 3–4 axis VMC and 5+ axis VMC (Fanuc, Okuma)
• Key strengths: CNC Tooling, CNC Programming, Troubleshooting

Growth at Atlas Fibre

• Shape how advanced materials are machined into high-precision parts
• See your process improvements directly impact quality and throughput
• Be part of a collaborative team where engineering leads operational excellence
• Advance your career as our capabilities scale

Regulatory Consideration

The role may require access to export-controlled information governed by ITAR/EAR. Candidates must be able to receive such information under U.S. export control regulations.

Additional Information

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Atlas Fibre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.