Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Machining, Welding & Fabrication

Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Machining, Welding & Fabrication

Location: Aurora, IL

Pay: $85,000–$110,000 annually (DOE)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, with flexibility based on production needs

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Position Overview

Summit Staffing is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support an established metal machining and fabrication operation in Aurora, IL.

This position is responsible for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes involving CNC machining, welding, and metal fabrication. The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering knowledge with hands-on manufacturing experience and advanced CAD capabilities.

This is an individual contributor position with significant technical ownership and the opportunity to take a leading role in the development and improvement of engineering processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures for welding, machining, and fabrication operations.
• Create and modify 2D drawings and 3D models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Design welding fixtures and support fixture development for production applications.
• Develop manufacturing drawings and production files for laser cutting equipment and press brake operations.
• Support manufacturing facility layouts, equipment placement, and workflow improvements.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Provide technical support to production personnel regarding CNC machining, welding, and fabrication challenges.
• Develop work instructions, process sheets, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Evaluate machining parameters, tooling, and manufacturing methods to improve quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, material waste, and manufacturing costs.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and management teams to ensure customer specifications and delivery requirements are met.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and new product introductions.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering within a metal machining, welding, or fabrication environment.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks and AutoCAD, including 2D drawings and 3D modeling.
• Experience designing or developing welding fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining, welding, and metal fabrication processes.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical understanding of manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to develop manufacturing documentation and communicate technical requirements to production teams.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; extensive directly relevant experience may be considered in place of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing manufacturing files for laser cutting and press brake equipment.
• Experience with manufacturing facility layouts and production workflow design.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and CNC programming.
• Experience with MIG, TIG, or robotic welding processes.
• Background in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, custom fabrication, or job shop environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with employer contribution
• 401(k) program
• Paid time off
• Paid major holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and increased engineering responsibility

Work Environment

This position involves both engineering office work and regular interaction with production personnel on the manufacturing floor. Candidates should be comfortable working around machining, welding, and fabrication equipment.

Apply today if you have a strong manufacturing engineering background and enjoy combining technical design with hands-on problem-solving in an industrial environment.