CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace industry. Signia designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of products, that include mission equipment, thermal management systems, engine technology, and propellers. The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.

Onboard Systems International is the leading global provider of external cargo handling equipment for civil and military helicopters. Founded nearly 50 years ago, the facility in Vancouver, WA has a growing product portfolio including mechanical cargo hooks and suspension systems, proprietary weighing systems, and Human External Cargo (HEC) equipment.

Location: Vancouver, WA (Onsite)

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Pay: $100,000 - $125,000 per year

The CNC Manufacturing Engineer is a high-impact, shop-focused role responsible for optimizing CNC machining processes, tooling strategies, and overall production performance. This position works in close partnership with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead, quality, and design teams to support existing products, new product introduction, and ongoing process improvements.

• Continuously improve CNC machining processes including setup strategy, tooling, work holding, and process flow in HSM Works and Mastercam
• Partner with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead to define and optimize machining strategies, ensuring programs are efficient, repeatable, and aligned with process intent.
• Provide technical input on CNC programs (CAD/CAM preparation, feeds/speeds, toolpath and tool selection, approach strategies, and process validation).
• Design and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Establish standard work, setup documentation, and machining best practices. Create machine plannings and inspection drawings

• Lead process improvement and cost reduction initiatives within the CNC machine shop.
• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, scrap reduction, and OEE through data-driven analysis.
• Analyze production data and identify trends; implement corrective actions.
• Actively support and initiate continuous improvement efforts with a bias toward action.

• Develop tooling requirements, fixture designs, rapid prototype fixturing, and work holding solutions to improve machining accuracy and efficiency.
• Support equipment selection, implementation, and manufacturing process qualification.
• Reduce setup times through improved tooling strategies and standardized processes.
• Collaborate closely with the shop lead and engineering team to ensure consistency between process intent and shop execution.

• Partner with Quality to ensure machining processes meet tight aerospace tolerances and GD&T requirements.
• Support process validation and First Article Inspection (AS9102) requirements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for machining-related issues;
  Improve process robustness and repeatability.
• Support NPI activities including process development & risk assessment (PFMEA), production workflows, validation, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Programming and Design Engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and process controls for critical characteristics.
• Develop work instructions, operator training materials, and process documentation to ensure new products transition efficiently into production.
• Support cost estimation, capacity planning, and make-buy evaluations during NPI.
• Lead Production Readiness Review (PRR) to drive successful transition from engineering to production

• Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and design teams to improve manufacturing outcomes.
• Work in close partnership with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead to align priorities, resolve issues, and drive performance improvements.
• Work with suppliers and external machining…