Manufacturing Engineer II

Pioneer Service
  • Hodgkins, IL
    Today

    Job Description

    Who we are:

    Pioneer Service, established in 1990, is an ITAR-registered precision contract manufacturer specializing in Swiss machining and centerless grinding. With AS9100D, ISO9001:2015, and ISO13485 certifications, we produce tight-tolerance components for medical, aerospace, oil and gas, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment globally. As a WBENC-certified woman-owned business, we help clients meet supplier diversity needs while delivering quality and reliability.

    Our team takes pride in providing our customers with a competitive edge within their market by continually delivering the highest quality components and services on time. Pioneer Service delivers quick turnaround times on low and high volume run orders. We serve a vast number of industries.

    Position Summary

    The Manufacturing Engineer II supports our precision CNC Swiss machining operations, with primary responsibility for CNC programming, process development, tooling selection, setup optimization, and continuous improvement.

    This position requires a minimum of three years of hands-on CNC Swiss machining experience, with the ability to independently develop manufacturing processes, troubleshoot complex machining challenges, and improve production efficiency.

    The Manufacturing Engineer II works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Sales to develop reliable, cost-effective processes while meeting customer quality and delivery requirements.

    Key Responsibilities

    CNC Programming and Process Development

    • Develop, program, and optimize CNC Swiss machining processes for new and existing customer projects.
    • Create and modify CNC programs using CAM software and machine-level programming.
    • Develop manufacturing processes, including operation sequences, tooling requirements, cycle times, and setup instructions.
    • Work directly with machinists and setup personnel during new-part introductions, first-article production, and process improvements.
    • Troubleshoot complex machining challenges involving dimensional accuracy, surface finish, tool life, chip control, and machine performance.
    • Evaluate opportunities to reduce cycle times, eliminate unnecessary operations, and improve machining efficiency.
    • Support programming and process development for multi-axis CNC equipment as needed.

    Tooling and Manufacturing Optimization

    • Select, evaluate, and optimize cutting tools, inserts, toolholders, and workholding solutions.
    • Work with tooling suppliers to identify cost-effective solutions and improve tool performance.
    • Establish machining parameters based on material specifications, tolerances, and production requirements.
    • Improve setup efficiency, repeatability, and overall machine utilization.
    • Evaluate manufacturing methods to reduce scrap, rework, and production costs.
    • Assist Production with technical troubleshooting and process stabilization.

    Engineering, Quoting, and Documentation

    • Review customer drawings, CAD models, specifications, and technical requirements for manufacturability.
    • Collaborate with Sales to develop accurate cycle times, tooling estimates, and manufacturing cost assumptions for quotations.
    • Develop and maintain manufacturing routers, setup sheets, tooling documentation, and process instructions.
    • Support engineering changes and document revisions.
    • Collaborate with Quality to resolve dimensional issues, improve inspection methods, and address nonconforming products.
    • Participate in customer technical discussions and manufacturing feasibility reviews when appropriate.

    Continuous Improvement and Technology

    • Identify and implement improvements in productivity, machine utilization, quality, and manufacturing costs.
    • Analyze production data, including cycle times, downtime, scrap, and tooling performance, to identify improvement opportunities.
    • Collaborate with the team responsible for IIoT and MachineMetrics to use production information for process improvement.
    • Support manufacturing automation initiatives and the introduction of new equipment and technology.
    • Develop standardized processes and share technical knowledge with machinists, setup personnel, and other engineering team members.
    • Participate in continuous improvement projects and document measurable results.

    Quality and Operational Support

    • Support compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and ITAR requirements as applicable.
    • Work closely with Production and Quality to address manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.
    • Participate in technical meetings, production planning discussions, and new-product introductions.
    • Provide technical guidance to machinists and setup personnel.
    • Demonstrate accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to Pioneer Service's core values

    Job Requirements

    • Minimum three years of hands-on CNC Swiss machining experience required.
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field preferred. Equivalent technical education and relevant machining experience will be considered.
    • Experience programming and optimizing CNC Swiss-type lathes. Star CNC Swiss experience strongly preferred.
    • Proficiency in CNC programming, including G-code and CAM software. ESPRIT experience preferred.
    • Strong understanding of Swiss machining processes, including guide bushings, sub-spindles, live tooling, cross-drilling, milling, and simultaneous machining operations.
    • Experience selecting cutting tools, optimizing speeds and feeds, and troubleshooting machining issues.
    • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including GD&T.
    • Experience developing machining processes, setup documentation, and manufacturing routers.
    • SolidWorks experience creating and reviewing 2D and 3D component drawings.
    • Familiarity with AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 13485 quality management systems.
    • Understanding of machining tolerances, surface finishes, material properties, and inspection requirements.
    • Experience with Microsoft Office applications.
    • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
    • Experience with Global Shop Solutions ERP and MachineMetrics preferred.

    Physical Demands

    While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to walk, stand, sit, and use hands to handle parts, tools, and equipment. The employee may occasionally be required to reach, bend, kneel, crouch, or climb

    Work Environment

    The position requires regular work in a precision manufacturing environment. Noise levels may vary, and appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn on the production floor. Closed-toed shoes and safety glasses are required in designated areas.

    Benefits

    • Competitive Salary based on experience
    • Matching 401(k) contribution up to 5%
    • Paid Time-off and Ten (10) Paid Holidays
    • Medical Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance


    Numbers & Facts

    LocationHodgkins, IL

    Skills

    • AS 9100unmatched
    • Aerospace and Defenseunmatched
    • Analysis Skillsunmatched
    • CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)unmatched
    • CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systemsunmatched
    • CNC Latheunmatched
    • Continuous Improvementunmatched
    • Contract Manufacturingunmatched
    • Corrective Actionunmatched
    • Cost Estimatesunmatched
    • Cutting Toolsunmatched
    • Data Analysisunmatched
    • Documentationunmatched
    • Drillingunmatched
    • ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)unmatched
    • Engineering Drawingunmatched
    • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancingunmatched
    • Grindingunmatched
    • Home Inspectionsunmatched
    • ISO (International Organization for Standardization)unmatched
    • ISO 9001unmatched
    • Identify Issuesunmatched
    • Machine Toolunmatched
    • Machiningunmatched
    • Machining Operationsunmatched
    • Manufacturingunmatched
    • Manufacturing Automationunmatched
    • Manufacturing Costunmatched
    • Manufacturing Engineeringunmatched
    • Manufacturing Methodsunmatched
    • Manufacturing/Industrial Processesunmatched
    • Microsoft Officeunmatched
    • Multitaskingunmatched
    • Network Routersunmatched
    • Oil and Gasunmatched
    • Operational Improvementunmatched
    • Operations Processesunmatched
    • Organizational Skillsunmatched
    • Performance Managementunmatched
    • Physical Demandsunmatched
    • Plan Meetingsunmatched
    • Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
    • Process Developmentunmatched
    • Process Improvementunmatched
    • Product/Service Launchunmatched
    • Production Costingunmatched
    • Production Planningunmatched
    • Productivity Managementunmatched
    • Project/Program Managementunmatched
    • Quality Managementunmatched
    • Salesunmatched
    • Sales Qualificationunmatched
    • Service Deliveryunmatched
    • SolidWorksunmatched
    • Standards Developmentunmatched
    • Team Playerunmatched
    • Technical Leadershipunmatched
    • Technical Supportunmatched
    • Time Managementunmatched
    • Tolerance Analysisunmatched
    • Vendor/Supplier Diversityunmatched
    • Vendor/Supplier Selectionunmatched
    • Vision Planunmatched

    Be found by employers

    5,500+ employers search our resume database daily. Add yours to get found by recruiters looking for candidates like you.

    Level up your application

    Professional resume templates

    Browse dozens of recruiter approved resume templates, layouts and formats. Choose your favorite and make it your own in minutes.

    Free resume templates

    Free resume builder

    Improve your existing resume or start from scratch and create a standout, ATS-friendly resume. Add job-specific content, download and apply.

    Free resume builder