Manufacturing Specialist; Manufacturing Engineer​/Process Engineer

Manufacturing Specialist

The Manufacturing Specialist is responsible for developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and sustaining precision machining processes for tight-tolerance components. This role combines manufacturing engineering, shop floor execution, and customer support, requiring both strong analytical capability and hands-on machining expertise. The Manufacturing Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for machining processes, driving continuous improvement, resolving complex manufacturing challenges, and supporting the development of shop floor personnel.

The role also interfaces with customers to provide technical guidance on manufacturing capabilities, process improvements, quality performance, and new product introductions.

• Lead the development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of machining processes for precision components.
• Serve as a technical liaison with customers, supporting manufacturing readiness, product introductions, process validations, audits, and quality-related issue resolution.
• Collaborate with customers, engineering, quality, and operations teams to ensure product requirements are translated into robust and effective manufacturing processes.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting for machining, tooling, process efficiency, and quality challenges.
• Develop and optimize CNC machining strategies, including turning, milling, grinding, and wire EDM operations.
• Design and implement fixturing and work-holding solutions that improve repeatability, productivity, and process capability.
• Analyze process performance, yields, and capability data to reduce variation and improve manufacturing outcomes.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives focused on waste reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Optimize tooling performance through effective selection, programming, feeds and speeds, and tool-life management.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for quality and manufacturing issues.
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, standard work, and manufacturing records.
• Train, mentor, and develop machinists and operators on best practices, technical skills, and process improvements.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure manufacturability, quality compliance, and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands-on machining experience with demonstrated technical progression.
• Minimum 5-10 years of precision machining, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering experience.
• Strong expertise in tight-tolerance machining, CNC programming, fixturing, turning, milling and grinding, tooling optimization, and process development.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including tool wear, heat management, chip formation, and process controls.
• Proven success improving manufacturing processes in a multi-axis machining environment.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles such as 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and waste reduction.
• Experience working within regulated Quality Management Systems, including NC and CAPA processes.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

• Experience machining refractory metals such as tungsten or molybdenum.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering or process engineering leadership roles.
• Working knowledge of SPC, Cp/Cpk analysis, and process validation methodologies.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.
• Experience implementing new technologies, automation, or advanced tooling strategies.
• Strong customer-facing skills with the ability to build credibility through technical expertise, responsiveness, and professional communication.

• Combination of engineering, customer-facing, & hands-on manufacturing support activities in a fast-paced precision machining environment requiring technical adaptability and strong problem-solving capability.
• Frequent interaction with machinists, operators, engineers, quality personnel, and customers.
• Consistent presence on the manufacturing floor.