Aerospace and Defense, Boring, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Communication Skills, Cost Estimates, Cross-Functional, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Cutting Tools, Drilling, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Failure Analysis, Field Sales, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Industrial Engineering, Machine Tool, Machining, Machining Operations, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Metal Cutting, Organizational Skills, Production Machining, Production Volume, Request for Proposals (RFP), Sales, Sales Support, Software Design, Software Engineering, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Tool and Die Manufacturing
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Indexable Cutting Tools
Full or Part Time Position
Location: Flushing, Michigan
We are seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with strong CNC machining and indexable cutting tool experience. This role is ideal for an engineer who understands both the design and application of precision cutting tools and can support custom tooling, quoting, manufacturability, and customer-driven solutions.
The ideal candidate will have deep practical knowledge of indexable tooling, metal cutting applications, machining processes, and cost drivers. Experience with estimating and quoting special indexable tools is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Design custom and indexable cutting tools used in precision CNC machining applications.
- Develop tooling concepts from customer RFQs, part prints, application data, and machining requirements.
- Create CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation for production release.
- Review RFQs, prints, GD&T, material specifications, machine capabilities, and process requirements.
- Select and recommend appropriate indexable tooling solutions for turning, milling, drilling, grooving, threading, and boring applications.
- Prepare or support accurate cost estimates and quotations for both special tooling and standard indexable products.
- Work closely with sales, applications, customers, manufacturing, quality, and vendors to confirm feasibility, lead times, cost, and performance expectations.
- Support tooling recommendations based on workpiece material, setup rigidity, coolant application, machine horsepower, production volume, tool life, and cost per part.
- Ensure designs meet performance, cost, manufacturability, and delivery requirements.
- Help improve quote accuracy, response time, margin performance, and quote win rate.
Core Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience with indexable cutting tools; 10+ years preferred.
- Experience designing indexable cutting tools such as boring bars, milling cutters, turning tools, grooving tools, threading tools, cartridges, form tools, or similar precision tooling.
- Strong understanding of metal cutting processes, CNC machining applications, and tooling performance.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate part prints, GD&T, material specifications, machine capabilities, and process requirements.
Strong knowledge of key machining and cost drivers, including:
- Speeds and Feeds
- Tool life
- Cycle time
- Cost per part
- Insert grade and geometry selection
- Setup rigidity
- Coolant application
- Machine horsepower and limitations
- Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD or equal
- Strong design aptitude with the ability to apply CAD/CAM knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Background
- Experience working for a cutting tool manufacturer, cutting tool distributor, or precision machining company.
- Experience quoting both special tooling and standard indexable products.
- Familiarity with aerospace, medical, automotive, defense, or general machining applications.
- Practical shop-floor experience or strong exposure to CNC machining operations.
- Experience supporting outside sales, applications engineering, and customer technical discussions.
- ERP, CRM, and Excel proficiency for quote development, tracking, and follow-up.
- Knowledge of insert nomenclature, carbide grades, coatings, chip breakers, clamping systems, coolant-through tooling, and tool failure analysis.