Job Summary
Responsible for manufacturing engineering and for leading all CNC machining activities in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Acts as the internal subject matter expert for CNC machining and fabrication, overseeing equipment, processes, programming, and continuous improvement efforts while coordinating closely with design engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturable, repeatable, and compliant products.
Key Responsibilities
Machining & Fabrication Leadership
- Own all machining operations utilizing multiple CNC milling machines and an engine lathe.
- Serve as the internal technical authority for machining and fabrication supporting 3D-printed and post-machined data links and array products.
- Serve as an expert for other manufacturing and process engineering initiatives as assigned.
- Support production floor activities to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable machining processes.
Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
- Program CNC machines (NX CAM ), develop detailed setup sheets, work instructions, and standardized manufacturing documentation.
- Lead first-article and prototype/first-time build efforts, working closely with machinists to establish repeatable processes for follow-on production.
- Ensure CNC post processors are accurate, effective, and aligned with machine and process requirements.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Coordinate with design engineering on new product releases, providing manufacturability feedback as designs transition to the manufacturing floor.
- Participate in design and drawing reviews to ensure GD&T, tolerances, and specifications are robust, achievable, and aligned with process capability.
Quality & Nonconformance Support
- Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities for nonconforming product, including root cause analysis and corrective action development.
- Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve issues and prevent recurrence through improved designs and processes.
Equipment Planning & Maintenance
- Recommend and justify purchases of tooling, fixturing, and equipment needed to complete part fabrication.
- Develop maintenance documentation for machining equipment and ensure proper preventative maintenance is performed internally and by suppliers.
Continuous Improvement & Operations Management
- Lead process improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, 5S implementation, lean manufacturing activities, and waste reduction efforts.
- Monitor trends related to CNC machining process and implement processes and systems to build robust quality systems.
- Establish and lead cross-functional teams to review metrics, meet targets, improve throughput, and align manufacturing performance with cost, schedule, and budget objectives.
- Drive strategic initiatives to ensure machining operations support overall business needs and long-term growth.
Required Skills & Competencies
- CNC CAM programming and master process development
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action
- Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
- Advanced interpretation of engineering drawings and specifications using GD&T
- Design reviews, drawing reviews, and manufacturing documentation creation
- Prototype, first-article, rework instruction, and MRB support
- Leadership of process improvement, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong collaboration across engineering, quality, and production team
- Familiarity with aerospace quality systems like AS9100.
