Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer (PLTX)

Bowhead seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Technician to join our Manufacturing and Products Group team in Plano, TX. The Engineering Technician must be capable of working in a fast‑paced environment and will be responsible for following SOPs and established techniques.

• Develop, maintain, and update accurate BOMs to ensure proper material planning and cost estimation.
• Create clear, detailed, and standardized work instructions to guide production teams in assembly, machining, and quality control processes. Ensure instructions align with safety and quality standards.
• Design and implement set‑up sheets for fabrication processes to streamline production processes, reduce setup times, and ensure consistency across shifts.
• Oversee the selection, maintenance, and inventory of cutting tools. Implement tool‑management strategies to optimize tool life, reduce downtime, and ensure cost‑effective operations.
• Utilize CAD/CAM software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD, Mastercam) to design components, fixtures, and tooling, and to generate CNC programs for manufacturing processes.
• Design and develop custom fixtures to improve production efficiency, ensure part accuracy, and enhance operator safety. Validate fixture performance through testing and iterative improvements.
• Utilize ERP and MES to track production data, manage workflows, and improve operational efficiency. Ensure accurate data entry and reporting for real‑time decision‑making.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including quality, manufacturing planning, and production, to drive continuous improvement initiatives and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address production issues and improve product quality.
• Develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; conferring with equipment vendors and soliciting observations from operators.
• Support ongoing effort to streamline project initiation and execution by establishing standard processes and systems to create and distribute manufacturing data for sheet metal operations.
• Recommend process improvements that will improve quality and reduce overall costs.
• Specify machinery and tooling required to manufacture a wide variety of parts in small to large quantities.
• Interface with processing suppliers to effectively transfer information required to execute subcontracted work.
• Generate tooling concepts to securely and accurately hold work pieces during machining.
• Stay informed on new manufacturing technologies. Investigate and recommend new processing technologies that improve efficiency and quality.
• Support Lean initiatives and create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) years with hands‑on operation and programming 3‑axis and/or 5‑axis CNC equipment using CAM software prior relevant experience, or an Associate’s and minimum of eight (8) years prior relevant experience.
• Strong computer knowledge and be familiar with Microsoft Office, ERP systems (CostPoint) and CAD/modeling software such as Solid Works CAM or equivalent.
• Experience providing engineering support in a manufacturing environment, specifically working with high‑precision CNC lathes, milling machines, and/or surface grinders.
• Generating tooling concepts to securely and accurately hold work pieces during machining.
• Experience with both light and heavy gage sheet metal parts including cutting/shearing, press brake forming, and welding considered an asset.
• Strong ability to generate, read, and interpret fabrication drawings, process and instrumentation diagrams and schematics, with a strong understanding of GD&T principles.
• Has a proven in‑depth knowledge of fundamental mechanical engineering concepts and how to apply them to fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Able to create CNC programs for lathe & milling processes.
• Able to create sheet metal flat patterns using parallel/radial line development as well as triangulation development (cones/transitions).
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude and managing competing demands and tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and work with all levels of the organization.
• Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

• Experience in ERP software (Deltek CostPoint, SAP, ORACLE).

• Must be able to lift up to 15 to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically.

There are currently no security clearance requirements for this position; however, candidates must be able to successfully pass a background check. US Citizenship is a requirement at this location.