Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Machining

Location: MN
Employment type: Full-time
Compensation: $110,000 – $125,000

We’re looking for a hands-on Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and improvement of CNC machining processes for precision components. You’ll take new parts from engineering drawings through production release and work with programmers, machinists and quality engineers to improve the reliability of existing jobs.

You’ll have ownership of how parts are made, from machine and tooling selection through process validation. Expect to spend time on the shop floor proving out setups, solving machining problems and helping the team run jobs consistently across shifts.

What you’ll do

• Develop machining processes for new components, defining operation sequences, machine selection, tooling, workholding and inspection requirements.

• Review engineering drawings and 3D models for manufacturability. Work with design engineers to address features, tolerances and datum schemes that affect machining or inspection.

• Partner with CNC programmers and machinists to review CAM strategies, prove out programs and validate setups through first-piece inspection.

• Lead root-cause investigations into scrap, rework and dimensional variation, including issues caused by chatter, tool wear or part movement.

• Improve cycle times, setup times and tool life while maintaining dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

• Create and maintain manufacturing routings, setup instructions and process documentation. Work with quality to define in-process checks for critical features.

• Evaluate new machines, tooling and fixtures, and build the business case for investments based on cost, capacity and quality.

• Mentor engineers, programmers and machinists on machining methods and troubleshooting.

What you’ll bring

• Manufacturing or process engineering experience in a CNC machining environment, with hands-on experience in CNC milling, turning or both.

• Experience taking a new part from drawing review and process planning through prove-out and production release.

• Practical knowledge of cutting tools, feeds and speeds, fixture design, workholding and machining strategies.

• Ability to interpret GD&T, identify critical features and work with quality teams to verify parts against drawing requirements.

• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, NX CAM or comparable systems, and the ability to review CNC programs and troubleshoot at the machine.

• A track record of measurable improvements in scrap, cycle time, setup time or throughput.

• A degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Helpful experience

• 5-axis machining, live-tool turning, mill-turn or machining large, tight-tolerance components.

• Low-volume, high-mix production or machining industrial and rotating equipment components.

• Experience with first article inspection, process capability studies or equipment justification.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Harrison Roberts