Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in estimating and quoting new business, leading manufacturing projects from concept through completion, and driving continuous improvement in machining processes. This position focuses on CNC programming, fixture and tool design using Solid Works, and recommending new equipment to support high-precision metal manufacturing, particularly for aerospace and complex machining applications.

• Estimate and quote new business opportunities, analyzing technical requirements and manufacturing costs to develop accurate proposals.
• Own assigned projects from start to finish, including planning, process development, implementation, and follow-up to ensure successful completion.
• Develop, write, and optimize CNC programs for machining operations, ensuring efficient, repeatable, and high-quality production.
• Design fixtures and tooling using Solid Works to support machining operations, improve part stability, and enhance productivity.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput in machining operations.
• Assess production needs and recommend new equipment purchases when required, supporting justification with technical and cost analyses.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure parts meet tight dimensional and geometric requirements and support high-precision manufacturing.
• Collaborate with machinists, operators, and other engineering staff to troubleshoot issues and refine processes on turn mill and 5-axis machines.
• Support aerospace-related projects by applying relevant manufacturing standards and practices where applicable.
• Maintain accurate documentation of processes, programs, tooling, and fixtures to support repeatable and controlled production.

• Manufacturing engineering experience with a strong focus on metals and machining.
• 5+ years of experience with a BS degree in a relevant field, or 10+ years of experience without a degree.
• Hands-on machining experience in a production or job-shop environment.
• CNC programming expertise, with the ability to develop and optimize programs for complex parts.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T and the ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Experience working with high-precision metals and tight tolerances.
• Background in machining processes for turn mill or 5-axis machines, with the ability to support complex setups and operations.

• BS degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Mastercam experience is a strong plus for CNC programming.
• Experience working with high-precision metals is preferred and highly valued.
• Hands-on experience with turn mill or 5-axis machining centers is highly preferred.
• Exposure to aerospace manufacturing environments and standards is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including machinists, engineers, and production staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a high-precision manufacturing context.

This role operates in a manufacturing environment focused on high-precision metal machining, including turn mill and 5-axis equipment. You will regularly work with CNC machines, CAD/CAM tools such as Solid Works and potentially Mastercam, and detailed engineering drawings with GD&T requirements. The work involves close collaboration with shop floor personnel and engineering staff, supporting production activities and continuous improvement initiatives. The environment emphasizes quality, precision, and adherence to engineering standards, particularly for complex and aerospace-related components.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length…