Job Description: Manufacturing Engineer
The Manufacturing Engineer develops, optimizes, and supports manufacturing processes in a high-mix, vertically integrated environment with a strong focus on CNC machining, fixture design, and continuous improvement. This role plays a key part in new product introduction, CNC programming support, lean initiatives, and shop floor technical support, working closely with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, quality, and cost. The facility’s capabilities include CNC machining, manual machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly.
Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC machining processes to improve throughput, quality, and cost.
- Create and revise CNC programs for Haas equipment (VF-4 and UMC-750) using Autodesk Fusion.
- Design and develop fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids using 3D CAD tools.
- Leverage additive manufacturing (3D printing) to support fixture and tooling development.
- Provide hands-on technical support to shop floor personnel, including CNC setup and troubleshooting.
- Create and maintain production routers, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation within ERP systems.
- Develop and update work instructions, test procedures, and process documentation to ensure consistent and reliable production.
- Analyze manufacturing KPIs, process data, and production costs to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
- Lead and participate in Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma projects to drive waste reduction and process optimization.
- Support and lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
- Submit and manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure controlled implementation of design and process changes.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and leadership teams on cross-functional initiatives to improve overall manufacturing performance.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a strong CNC machining experience.
- Hands-on experience supporting CNC machining operations.
- Proficiency with Autodesk Fusion for CAM/CNC programming.
- Experience creating and maintaining production documentation and routers.
- Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to use hand tools and measuring instruments.
- Experience with manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and manufacturing process development.
- Knowledge of CNC operation, CNC setup, and multi-axis machining concepts.
- Ability to interpret and apply GD&T in tooling and fixture design.
- Experience with tooling design, fixture design, and general machining practices.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification or equivalent experience in continuous improvement projects.
- CNC setup and operating experience on Haas VF-series or UMC machines.
- Experience using Autodesk Fusion 360 for CAM and CNC programming.
- ERP experience supporting production routers and BOMs.
- Experience using 3D printing or other additive manufacturing equipment to support tooling and fixture development.
- Experience with 3D scanning technologies.
- Familiarity with Power BI or Microsoft Access for data analysis and reporting.
- Experience working in high-mix or job shop manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as Inventor and SolidWorks for fixture, tooling, and manufacturing aid design.
- Experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with shop floor technical support in machining, tooling, and manufacturing process troubleshooting.
Work Environment
The role operates in a high-mix, vertically integrated manufacturing environment that includes CNC machining, manual machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly. You will work closely with shop floor personnel and cross-functional teams, frequently interacting with CNC equipment such as Haas VF-4 and UMC-750 machines and using Autodesk Fusion 360, Inventor, SolidWorks, ERP systems, and data tools such as Power BI or Access. The position involves hands-on work on the production floor, including the use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and additive manufacturing equipment like 3D printers and 3D scanners. The work environment emphasizes lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving, offering opportunities to lead and participate in improvement projects and new product introduction activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
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