MFG Engineering Manager

Overview

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the engineering function on the production floor, overseeing CAD/CAM programming, CNC and manual machining operations, plasma cutting, press brake fabrication, welding, and related manufacturing processes. This role is responsible for process development, tooling, continuous improvement, and the technical leadership of a team of manufacturing engineers, machinists, and welders. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on fabrication expertise with the management skills to drive quality, efficiency, and safety across the shop floor.

• Engineering Leadership & Team Management:
  Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers. Set performance goals, conduct reviews, and build a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Coordinate workflows between engineering, production scheduling, and quality assurance.
• CAD/CAM Programming & Design:
  Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Solid Works CAM, Fusion 360, or equivalent). Translate engineering drawings and customer specifications into manufacturing-ready programs and toolpaths. Maintain organized program libraries and revision-controlled documentation.
• Plasma Cutting Operations:
  Oversee programming and operation of CNC plasma cutting tables; optimize cut parameters for material types and thicknesses.
• Vertical Milling & Machining:
  Oversee programming for vertical milling center (VMC) operations, setup, and CNC programming.
• Press Brake Operations & Metal Fabrication:
  Oversee development of bend programs, tooling setups, and back-gauge sequences for press brake operations. Support layout and fabrication of weldments, enclosures, brackets, and structural components.
• Welding & Weld Fabrication:
  Collaborate with quality and welding engineer on weld joint design, pre/post-weld treatment, and inspection criteria.
• Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement:
  Develop and maintain standard work instructions, process sheets, and operator training materials. Evaluate and recommend new equipment, tooling, and technology investments.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance:
  Champion a safe work environment; conduct hazard assessments and enforce PPE and lockout/tagout procedures. Support ISO, AS9100, or other quality management system requirements as applicable. Collaborate with quality engineering on PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and customer corrective actions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field — OR equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in a metal fabrication or machining environment.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead engineering role.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and weld symbols.
• Working knowledge of materials — mild steel, stainless, aluminum, and related alloys.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, JobBOSS, Epicor, or similar) for work order and BOM management.
• Familiarity with robotic or automated welding systems (Lincoln Electric, Miller, ESAB, or similar).
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Knowledge of sheet metal design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, Solid Works CAM, or similar).

ND Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veteran and disability.