Lead CNC Machinist

CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Core Competencies

• Expert in CNC machining, programming, setup optimization, machining strategies, and precision manufacturing.
• Advanced Mastercam proficiency with expertise in G-code, toolpath optimization, feeds & speeds, and cycle time reduction.
• Skilled in tooling, fixturing, and workholding design to improve repeatability and efficiency.
• Strong manufacturing problem solver using root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Deep understanding of GD&T, SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), first article inspections, and quality systems.
• Experienced technical trainer capable of developing CNC operators and setup personnel.
• Organized and process-driven with strong documentation and program control practices.
• Passionate about improving quality, productivity, safety, and manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Operations

• Serve as the technical owner for CNC machining operations supporting MIM secondary operations and precision machining of metal and plastic components.
• Ensure production readiness through validated programs, tooling, fixtures, setups, offsets, inspection requirements, and machine readiness.
• Coordinate with Production, Planning, Quality, Maintenance, and Manufacturing Systems to support production across all shifts.
• Provide technical support for complex setups, troubleshooting, and production-critical issues.

Programming & Process Development

• Develop, optimize, validate, and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam.
• Lead setup development, prove-outs, first-piece inspections, and production trials.
• Optimize toolpaths, cutting parameters, cycle times, tooling, and machining strategies.
• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and workholding while maintaining setup sheets, tooling documentation, and program revisions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Develop stable, repeatable machining processes that meet blueprint, GD&T, tolerance, and quality requirements.
• Monitor SPC, process capability, scrap, rework, cycle times, and tooling performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Support first articles, process validations, PFMEAs, control plans, and customer quality investigations.

Training & Equipment Support

• Train operators and setup personnel on machining processes, tooling, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Develop work instructions, SOPs, setup documentation, and technical standards.
• Coordinate routine machine maintenance and partner with Maintenance on larger repairs.

Engineering Support

• Support DFM reviews, new product introductions, process validation, fixture development, automation, and manufacturing improvements.

Key Performance Indicators

• 95%+ of scheduled CNC jobs technically ready by planned start.
• 95%+ achievement of standard production rates.
• 95%+ first-pass yield.
• CNC process capability target: Cpk ≥ 1.33.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on CNC machining, programming, setup, troubleshooting, and process development experience.
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Experience machining carbon steel, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and exotic alloys including Inconel and Invar.
• Expert-level Mastercam proficiency and advanced knowledge of CNC machining, tooling, G-code, feeds & speeds, and process optimization.
• Strong experience with tooling, fixturing, workholding, GD&T, SPC, and process capability.
• CAD experience for fixture design; SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to create technical documentation and train manufacturing personnel.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training, apprenticeship, or engineering education preferred.
• Ability to provide occasional off-shift support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MIM secondary machining, complete-part machining, toolmaking, moldmaking, or fixture building.
• Background in aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience with NPD, DFM, automation, ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, SMED, probing, and tool presetting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for tools and components.
• Ability to read blueprints and inspect precision parts.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with heat, noise, and moving equipment.