Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Senior
Manufacturing Engineer with extensive expertise in CNC programming, machining
processes, and manufacturing optimization within the automotive industry.
This individual will be responsible for developing,
optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes across production
operations, with a primary focus on improving overall equipment effectiveness
(OEE), increasing production throughput, reducing scrap, and enhancing product
quality.
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, hands-on
engineer who can work directly on the manufacturing floor to develop CNC
programs, optimize toolpaths and machining strategies, troubleshoot production
challenges, and implement process improvements. This role requires someone who
can take ownership of machining processes while partnering closely with
Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to drive manufacturing efficiency and
consistency.
Please note: This is a temporary position. The facility
is currently expected to close approximately May/June. Candidates must be made
aware of the temporary nature of the opportunity and anticipated facility
closure before being submitted for consideration.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop,
modify, optimize, and validate CNC programs for turning and milling
operations, including CNC lathes and vertical and horizontal machining
centers.
- Lead
CNC programming, toolpath development, and cutting strategy optimization
for automotive components.
- Evaluate
and improve machining processes to increase production throughput, improve
OEE, reduce cycle times, and minimize scrap.
- Identify
and implement optimal cutting tools, carbide inserts, tool holders, and
workholding solutions.
- Troubleshoot
machining issues involving tool wear, chatter, cycle time inefficiencies,
dimensional variation, and process instability.
- Provide
hands-on technical support on the production floor to resolve machining
and manufacturing challenges.
- Collaborate
with Quality to establish and maintain process capability, including
Cp/Cpk studies, SPC, and first-piece validation.
- Optimize
machining parameters, tooling configurations, fixtures, and manufacturing
methods to improve process reliability and product quality.
- Support
fixture and workholding development, including hydraulic and pneumatic
systems.
- Drive
continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma,
and other process improvement methodologies.
- Develop,
maintain, and update CNC programs, process documentation, work
instructions, and manufacturing standards.
- Partner
with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to
improve production performance and resolve technical issues.
- Lead
and support manufacturing engineering projects focused on cost reduction,
productivity, quality, and process standardization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor#39;s
degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial
Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent hands-on
manufacturing engineering experience will also be considered.
- Minimum
of 5 years of CNC programming and machining experience within an
automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong
expertise in CNC turning and milling operations, including CNC lathes and
vertical and horizontal machining centers.
- Experience
with CNC machine platforms such as Fuji and Mori Seiki is highly
desirable.
- Proficiency
in Mastercam or comparable CAM programming software, along with AutoCAD.
- Strong
understanding of GDamp;T, engineering drawings, blueprint interpretation,
and dimensional tolerances.
- Hands-on
experience developing and optimizing CNC programs, toolpaths, cutting
parameters, and machining processes.
- Knowledge
of carbide tooling, inserts, tool holders, cutting strategies, and
machining applications.
- Experience
with fixture design and workholding systems, including hydraulic and
pneumatic fixtures.
- Familiarity
with CMM equipment, Zoller tool presetters, and other precision
measurement systems.
- Strong
understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability
studies, Cp/Cpk, and manufacturing process controls.
- Demonstrated
ability to troubleshoot machining problems and provide direct technical
support on the production floor.
- Strong
analytical, problem-solving, and process optimization skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience
in high-volume automotive manufacturing and production environments.
- Background
in multi-axis CNC machining and advanced machining applications.
- Experience
with Fuji and Mori Seiki CNC equipment.
- Familiarity
with ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Lean
Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
- Proven
experience leading manufacturing process improvement, productivity, and
cost reduction initiatives.
- Bilingual
English/Spanish communication skills strongly preferred.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing engineer
with strong CNC programming and machining expertise who is comfortable working
directly with production teams and equipment. They should have the technical
ability to develop and optimize machining processes, troubleshoot complex
manufacturing issues, and implement practical solutions that improve
productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
Candidates with experience in high-volume automotive
manufacturing, particularly those with strong CNC lathe and milling programming
capabilities, are highly encouraged to apply.