CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The CNC Manufacturing Engineer oversees the complete 4- and 5-axis machining process, from designing and selecting workholding to creating and validating CAM programs, ensuring efficient, precise, and repeatable manufacturing of complex parts for aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical applications. This role works closely with quality control and shop floor teams to refine inspection processes, support part launches, and continuously improve manufacturing methods in a highly advanced CNC environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full 4- and 5-axis machining process, from initial workholding concept through to finished part production.

• Select, design, and refine complex workholding solutions for challenging and intricate parts.

• Create, optimize, and maintain Mastercam programs for simultaneous 5-axis milling operations.

• Simulate and validate machining programs to ensure safe, efficient, and collision-free operations.

• Collaborate with the quality control department to develop and improve inspection processes that align with GD&T requirements.

• Support shop floor personnel during new part launches by troubleshooting issues and optimizing machining parameters.

• Define and document manufacturing processes for complex parts, including setups, tooling, and sequence of operations.

• Apply GD&T principles to ensure parts meet tight tolerances and functional requirements.

• Select and implement modern cutting tools and toolholding systems to improve productivity, surface finish, and tool life.

• Work on multiple part programs per day, focusing on high-mix, low-volume production rather than long-term repeat runs.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing automation and efficiency across the CNC facility.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability of new designs and smooth integration into production.

Essential Skills

• Mastery of Mastercam for simultaneous 5-axis milling programming.

• Strong proficiency in programming 5-axis milling operations for complex parts.

• Extensive expertise in designing intricate workholding solutions for challenging geometries.

• Deep knowledge of modern cutting tool technologies and toolholding systems.

• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T principles.

• Experience programming and setting up manufacturing processes for complex parts.

• Ability to manage and program multiple different parts per day in a dynamic production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hard metal machining.

• Familiarity with Vericut or similar toolpath confirmation and verification software.

• Experience using Solidworks for modeling or manufacturing support.

• Exposure to Mill/Turn operations and programming for mills and lathes.

• Working with complex components in aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical industries.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean, sophisticated CNC manufacturing facility equipped with over 100 different machines and a growing focus on automation. Engineers work with advanced 4- and 5-axis equipment, mills, lathes, and modern CAM and verification tools in a professional, technology-driven environment. The standard operating model, when fully staffed, is five 10-hour shifts per week, with 10 hours of overtime per week typically available and overtime opportunities extended to engineering roles. The culture emphasizes long-term tenure and internal growth, with many engineers staying for over 10 years. The facility offers a free on-site gym and a free golf simulator in the lunchroom, along with strong internal benefits. The environment supports collaboration, continuous improvement, and a stable, team-oriented workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Glendale Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

Great Internal Benefits: 401k Match, PTO, Health Vision and Dental

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Glendale Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.