Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing / Programming Engineer

The Manufacturing / Programming Engineer defines, programs, and supports machining processes for precision components in a hands-on, shop-floor environment. This role combines CNC programming, process engineering, quality support, and troubleshooting, and is ideal for someone who thrives in a small machine shop, enjoys practical problem-solving, and is comfortable taking ownership across multiple areas of production.

• Generate CNC programs for mills and lathes, with a focus on 2-axis and 3-axis machining and strong hand-coding capabilities.
• Program and support milling and turning operations, including deburr and polish operations, with an emphasis on precision and repeatability.
• Allocate time across core functions, including approximately 25% CNC coding, 25% process engineering, 25% quality support, and 25% troubleshooting and shop-floor support.
• Plan and document manufacturing processes for new and repeat jobs, ensuring efficient workflows and consistent outcomes.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and first-article lots, including first-article execution and alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot machining and process issues directly on the shop floor, diagnosing root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Assist with shop scheduling and workflow to balance capacity, prioritize jobs, and maintain on-time delivery.
• Select and order cutting tools, holders, jaws, and fixtures to support production needs and optimize machining performance.
• Support DNC systems and Mill Pad usage to ensure reliable program transfer and efficient machine setup.
• Create and edit inspection sheets to align with customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Ensure machining processes meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements, supporting problem-solving and corrective actions when nonconformances arise.
• Collaborate closely with machinists and leadership to improve processes, standardize programming and tooling strategies, and implement lean manufacturing and CAM optimization ideas.
• Provide technical leadership on the shop floor, acting as a key resource for CNC programming, process planning, tooling decisions, and quality alignment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at modernizing systems, enhancing workflows, and increasing productivity in a small-team environment.

• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on CNC programming for mills and lathes.
• Strong hand-coding capability for CNC programs, with limited dependence on CAM systems.
• Experience with 2-axis and 3-axis machining, including both milling and turning operations.
• Solid background in milling without complex contouring and in turning operations, including deburr and polish work.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot machining and process issues on the shop floor.
• Experience working in small to mid-sized machine shop environments.
• Comfort working with job movement and varied daily responsibilities in a dynamic production setting.
• Willingness to work hands-on on the shop floor, including programming, milling, and lathe work.
• Familiarity with quality requirements and the creation and editing of inspection sheets.
• Capability to ensure processes meet quality and customer specifications and to support corrective actions.

• Exposure to Mastercam and/or Vericut.
• Experience with CAD/CAM and DNC systems.
• Knowledge of outsourced processes such as non-destructive testing (NDT), heat treat, and coating.
• Experience machining stainless steel and aluminum materials.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Background in aerospace manufacturing or other regulated industries such as defense and medical.
• Interest in modernizing and improving systems, including CAM optimization and standardized workflows.
• Comfort operating in a high trust, high accountability environment with direct access to leadership.

The role is based in a small, family-owned CNC job shop with a close-knit, collaborative culture and a New England manufacturing environment. The…