Senior Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Machining (Automotive)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Manufacturing Engineer with strong CNC machining expertise within the automotive manufacturing industry. This role focuses on optimizing machining processes, improving productivity (OEE), reducing scrap, and leading CNC programming and process development across high-volume production lines.

This is a hands-on, shop-floor engineering role for someone who actively troubleshoots, programs CNC equipment, and drives continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize CNC machining processes to improve OEE, throughput, quality, and scrap reduction
• Develop, modify, and validate CNC programs for lathes and milling machines (vertical & horizontal)
• Lead toolpath development, cutting strategies, tooling selection, and workholding solutions
• Troubleshoot machining issues, including cycle time variation, tool wear, chatter, and dimensional accuracy
• Support first-piece approval, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and quality validation activities
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams to ensure stable production
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma-based continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and machining standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience
• 5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in automotive manufacturing
• Strong expertise in CNC lathes and milling machines (Fuji, Mori Seiki, or similar preferred)
• Proficiency in CAM software (Mastercam or equivalent) and AutoCAD
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and tolerance analysis
• Experience with SPC, process capability studies, and production quality control
• Familiarity with tooling systems, inserts, fixtures, and workholding design
• Hands-on shop floor troubleshooting and production support experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume automotive or Tier-1 manufacturing environments
• Multi-axis machining experience
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification
• Experience leading process improvement or cost-reduction projects
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

About the Role

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a production-driven environment and enjoys solving real-time machining and process challenges on the shop floor. You will play a key role in improving manufacturing efficiency, quality, and reliability across CNC operations.