Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Programming & Process Development

Job Description

Job Description

Job Requirements

Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, programming, implementing, and continuously improving CNC manufacturing processes supporting precision aerospace and defense components. This position serves as the primary technical resource for CNC programming, manufacturing process development, tooling selection, fixture design, and machining optimization for both CNC milling and CNC turning operations. Working closely with the CNC Mills Supervisor, CNC Lathes Supervisor, Quality, Engineering, and Operations, the Manufacturing Engineer develops efficient manufacturing methods that maximize productivity, improve quality, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards and customer specifications. This position combines manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, and continuous improvement responsibilities to support production throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

CNC Programming

• Develop, write, test, and optimize CNC programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers and multi-axis CNC turning centers using CAM software.

• Generate CNC programs from engineering models, blueprints, and customer specifications.

• Create efficient machining strategies that maximize productivity while maintaining dimensional accuracy and repeatability.

• Optimize feeds, speeds, toolpaths, cutter engagement, and machining parameters to reduce cycle times and improve tool life.

• Edit and troubleshoot CNC programs directly at machine controls when necessary.

• Maintain revision control and documentation for all CNC programs and manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop manufacturing methods for new products from prototype through full-rate production.

• Design machining sequences that ensure quality, efficiency, and repeatability.

• Create setup sheets, tooling documentation, work instructions, and standardized manufacturing procedures.

• Evaluate manufacturability of new product designs and provide recommendations during design reviews.

• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and implementation of design revisions into production.

• Establish standardized manufacturing processes across machining operations.

Tooling & Fixture Engineering

• Select cutting tools, inserts, workholding, fixtures, and machining accessories for CNC milling and turning operations.

• Design or coordinate the design of custom fixtures and workholding systems.

• Evaluate new tooling technologies to improve machining performance.

• Standardize tooling to reduce setup times and inventory costs.

• Support procurement of tooling and capital equipment.

Production Support

• Provide technical support to CNC Mills and CNC Lathes Supervisors during production.

• Troubleshoot machining issues including chatter, vibration, tool wear, chip control, dimensional variation, and surface finish.

• Assist machinists with complex setups, first-piece verification, and process improvements.

• Support root cause investigations for nonconforming products.

• Resolve manufacturing issues that impact production schedules.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 quality standards and customer requirements.

• Support AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) activities.

• Develop manufacturing processes that maintain complete material traceability and documentation.

• Collaborate with Quality to investigate corrective and preventive actions.

• Support customer audits and regulatory compliance activities.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, and operational excellence.

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), machine utilization, and throughput.

• Reduce cycle times, setup times, scrap, tooling costs, and machine downtime.

• Analyze production metrics and implement process improvements using data-driven methodologies.

• Identify automation opportunities, including robotic loading systems, pallet systems, and advanced machining technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Engineering during new product introduction (NPI).

• Collaborate with CNC Supervisors to transition new programs into production.

• Coordinate with Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to support production objectives.

• Provide technical training and guidance to machinists and supervisors regarding machining strategies, tooling, and CNC programming.

• Support capital equipment evaluations and manufacturing technology initiatives.

Work Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• 5–10 years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or precision machining environments.

• Advanced proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam, and GibbsCAM.

• Experience programming CNC milling and CNC turning equipment, including multi-axis machining centers and live-tool lathes.

• Strong knowledge of G-code, M-code, machining dynamics, cutter compensation, and machine optimization.

• Thorough understanding of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, machining tolerances, and precision inspection techniques.

• Experience designing fixtures, workholding, and machining processes.

• Knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor preferred).

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Performance Expectations

The Manufacturing Engineer is expected to:

• Develop reliable, efficient CNC programs that consistently produce conforming aerospace and defense components.

• Improve machining efficiency through optimized tooling, programming, and manufacturing processes.

• Reduce cycle times, setup times, scrap, tooling costs, and machine downtime through continuous process improvement.

• Support on-time delivery by rapidly resolving manufacturing and machining challenges.

• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with AS9100, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Successfully transition new products from engineering release to full-rate production with stable and repeatable manufacturing processes.

• Provide technical leadership and support to CNC Mills Supervisors, CNC Lathes Supervisors, and production machinists.

• Drive innovation through automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

• Foster a culture of precision, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement while supporting the company's mission to deliver high-quality products to the defense and aerospace industries.