Engineering Technician - Swiss-style lathes and CNC milling centers: Big Lake, MN

Job Description

Job Description

Engineering Technician - Swiss-style lathes and CNC milling centers: Big Lake, MN
Position Title: Engineering Technician
Education: Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline preferred, or equivalent experience.
Experience:  Minimum of 2–3 years of experience working with CNC programs for Swiss-style lathes and CNC milling centers. Specifically in a CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or engineering technician role. 
Location: Big Lake, MN.
Job Type:  Full-Time.
Shift: Monday thru Thursday - various schedule options
Remote:  No. On-site in Big Lake, MN.
Salary:  Commensurate with experience: $33.00/hour-$44.00/hour, plus benefits. 
Benefits:  Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 401K and PTO.
Relocation:  Not offered.
Sponsorship:  Not available Position Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Engineering Technician to support manufacturing engineering initiatives by developing and optimizing CNC machining processes, improving production efficiency, and ensuring consistent product quality. This role serves as a key link between Engineering and Manufacturing by assisting with process development, CNC programming, troubleshooting, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts. The ideal candidate has experience in precision machining, CNC programming, and manufacturing process optimization within a regulated production environment. This role works directly with Engineering to coordinate all production and post processing activities. The Engineering Technician will create CNC code that performs a capable, repeatable process, perform process troubleshooting, process improvements, validations, qualifications, and change control.Essential Responsibilities -

• Develop, edit, and optimize CNC programs for Swiss-style lathes and CNC milling centers using engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Interpret technical drawings, GD&T, and CAD models to establish efficient machining processes.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, and machining strategies to maximize productivity, quality, and tool life.
• Create robust, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet quality, cost, and production objectives.
• Support machine setup, prove-out, and first article production for new and existing components.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, setup documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues while implementing effective corrective actions.
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
  • Cycle time reduction
  • Tool life optimization
  • Scrap reduction
  • Manufacturing cost savings
  • Process stability
• Coordinate engineering trials, process validations, and qualification activities.
• Perform process capability studies and quality verification to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
• Assist with tooling design, fixture development, and CNC programming improvements.
• Process engineering changes, including Bills of Material (BOM) and Bills of Operations (BOO), within the ERP system.
• Support manufacturing quoting by providing tooling, cycle time, and process cost estimates.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve daily manufacturing challenges.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and participate in continuous improvement events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications -

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or engineering technician role.
• Experience programming CNC Swiss or CNC milling equipment.
• Working knowledge of G-code programming and machining processes.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Esprit, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications -

• Experience designing or selecting tooling and work-holding fixtures for precision-machined components.
• Background in medical device, aerospace, or other high-precision manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, or other regulated quality management systems.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma training with demonstrated application.
• Experience with ERP systems and engineering change management processes.
• Willingness to travel occasionally between manufacturing facilities.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities -

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and environmental stewardship.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify, report, and help correct unsafe conditions and environmental risks.
• Participate in safety investigations, risk assessments, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support initiatives that improve workplace safety, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety awareness, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements -

• Frequently sit while performing computer-based work.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, and moderate noise levels.
• Occasional travel by automobile or air as business needs require.

Disclaimers:
This job description should not be interpreted to be a complete list of all the duties and responsibilities performed by the jobholder. To maintain organizational flexibility, management has the discretion to add, drop or change at any time the duties, responsibilities and expectations of this job.
This job description does not constitute an offer of employment, continuous employment or an employment contract. We are an at-will employer and either you or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any legal reason or for no reason.

We are an equal opportunity employer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Pay Details: $68,640.00 to $91,520.00 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to -us/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.