Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming & Process Development
Listed on 2026-08-05
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Manufacturing / Production
Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineering, Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma
Manufacturing Engineer
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, work holding, fixtures, and machining accessories for CNC milling and turning operations.
• Design or coordinate the design of custom fixtures and work holding 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…
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