Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming & Machining

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'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 GD&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.