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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Design Engineer

💰 $70,000 - $110,000

EngineeringMechanical EngineeringManufacturingCNC

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires an experienced CNC Design Engineer to own the design and process development for precision-machined components and assemblies. The ideal candidate will combine advanced CAD/CAM proficiency, practical CNC programming experience (3- and 5-axis), deep understanding of materials and tolerancing (GD&T), and a bias for manufacturable design (DFM). This role partners with manufacturing, quality, procurement, and R&D to deliver production-ready designs, tooling and fixturing, process plans, and post-processor configurations that achieve cost, quality, and schedule targets.

Key focus areas: CNC programming and optimization, fixturing and tooling design, CAD-to-CAM workflow, process documentation, prototype-to-production transition, and continuous process improvement for CNC machining operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior CNC Programmer or CNC Operator promoted into engineering
  • Mechanical Design Engineer with CAD/CAM exposure
  • Manufacturing Technician with tooling/fixture design experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior CNC Design Engineer / Lead CNC Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineering Manager or CNC Process Manager
  • Technical Program Manager (product manufacturing focus)

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Design Engineer (DFM-focused)
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Specialist
  • CAM Applications Engineer / CNC Applications Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead the end-to-end CAD/CAM design and development of CNC-machined parts, creating robust 3D models and detailed 2D drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or Siemens NX to meet functional and manufacturing requirements.
  • Create, validate, and optimize CNC programs (G-code) for 3-axis, 3+2, and full 5-axis milling and turning operations using Mastercam, Fusion 360, FeatureCAM, or CAMWorks, ensuring cycle time and tool life optimization.
  • Translate engineering drawings and specifications into manufacturable machining strategies, selecting optimal machining sequences, cutting parameters, tooling, and workholding to minimize cycle time and cost.
  • Design and iterate precision fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling to ensure repeatable tolerances and efficient part loading/unloading for both prototype and high-volume production.
  • Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T to part designs and drawings to balance product function with achievable manufacturing tolerances and inspection capability.
  • Develop and maintain post-processors and tool libraries for CAM systems; collaborate with CNC operators to tune machine-specific post-processing and G-code outputs for targeted machines.
  • Conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) reviews with product development and manufacturing teams, driving changes that reduce complexity and scrap.
  • Prototype parts and processes in collaboration with machining shops and in-house CNC centers; validate process capability before production release through run-offs.
  • Create and maintain process documentation including operation sheets, setup sheets, tooling lists, first-article inspection plans (FAI), and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for CNC manufacturing.
  • Lead root-cause analysis for machining-related quality issues, implement corrective actions, and update designs/processes to prevent recurrence using structured problem-solving methods (8D, PDCA).
  • Collaborate with quality engineering to define inspection methods, sampling plans, and CMM routines; support first article inspections and supplier part validations.
  • Select and evaluate cutting tools, tool holders, inserts, and coolant strategies for various materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and high-strength alloys.
  • Apply material knowledge to select appropriate machining strategies and tooling when working with exotic alloys, composites, and heat-treated metals to avoid chatter, tool wear, and part distortion.
  • Work with procurement and suppliers to evaluate outsourced machining partners, review manufacturing quotes, and provide technical requirements and drawings for supplier machining.
  • Integrate manufacturing constraints early in the product development cycle, participating in cross-functional design reviews to reduce late-stage engineering changes and accelerate time-to-market.
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, scrap reduction, and process stability using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies.
  • Program and validate multi-axis simultaneous toolpaths for complex geometries, ensuring collision avoidance, optimal tool engagement, and minimal tool changes.
  • Develop cost models and cycle time estimates for proposed machining strategies to guide design trade-offs and supplier selections.
  • Mentor junior engineers, machinists, and CNC programmers on best practices for CAM programming, machining strategies, and fixture set-up to raise team capability.
  • Maintain configuration control for tooling and program libraries and ensure proper versioning and backups for CAM files and CNC programs.
  • Coordinate machine selection, retrofit, and specification efforts for new CNC equipment purchases, including spindle speed, feedrate capacity, axis travel, and controller compatibility.
  • Support shop floor troubleshooting for machine setup, NC code issues, post-processor errors, and toolpath corrections to reduce downtime and expedite production launches.
  • Ensure designs and processes comply with industry standards and company quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100 where applicable) and support internal and external audits.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc manufacturing and process data requests, providing analysis to inform process capability and continuous improvement projects.
  • Contribute to the organization's manufacturing engineering strategy and roadmap, identifying automation and digitization opportunities (tooling standardization, CAM automation).
  • Collaborate with procurement and supply chain to translate manufacturing and tooling needs into supplier RFQs, technical specifications, and validation plans.
  • Participate in sprint planning, cross-functional design reviews, and agile ceremonies where engineering work is tracked and prioritized for production readiness.
  • Provide hands-on training and documentation for CNC operators and fixtures; develop competency matrices and runbooks to scale best practices across multiple shifts.
  • Assist in scheduling prototype and qualification runs, coordinating machine time, tooling availability, and quality resources for on-time delivery.
  • Support continuous improvement teams by supplying technical expertise for manufacturing simulations, CAPEX evaluations, and ROI analysis for new machinery and tooling investments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX) with strong experience creating detailed part and assembly drawings.
  • Advanced CAM programming (Mastercam, Fusion 360, FeatureCAM, CamWorks) for 3-axis, 3+2, and simultaneous 5-axis machining.
  • Proficient in generating and editing G-code, understanding CNC controllers (Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens), and tuning post-processors.
  • Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and dimensioning per ASME Y14.5.
  • Fixture and tooling design expertise including workholding, quick-change fixtures, and modular tooling systems.
  • Deep understanding of machining processes: milling, turning, grinding, drilling, tapping, and multi-axis simultaneous machining strategies.
  • Experience with inspection equipment and methods: CMM programming and operation, optical comparators, micrometers, calipers, and surface finish measurement.
  • Material science understanding for machining: aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, composites; knowledge of chip formation and heat effects.
  • Experience with DFM/DFMEA, first article inspection (FAI), and creating process control plans and SOPs.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing systems and quality standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR (if applicable) and manufacturing ERP/MRP tools.
  • Ability to use CAM post-processor development and tool library management and to implement toolpath simulation and verification tools.
  • Basic programming or scripting skills (Python, VBA) for CAM automation and data extraction are a plus.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Soft Skills

  • Strong cross-functional communication skills, able to explain technical decisions to manufacturing, procurement, and leadership.
  • Problem-solving mindset with structured root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Attention to detail and precision, especially when defining tolerances and inspection criteria.
  • Project management and time management skills to manage multiple development streams and prototype schedules.
  • Coaching and mentoring capability to upskill junior staff and operators.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities during fast-paced product development cycles.
  • Collaborative team player who can work with R&D, quality, production, and supply chain stakeholders.
  • Customer-focused orientation for internal and external technical support and supplier development.
  • Strong documentation and version control discipline for CAD/CAM files and process documentation.
  • Analytical mindset with data-driven decision making for process improvement and machine utilization.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; OR equivalent combination of technical diploma and hands-on machining/CAM experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree with specialization in machining/CAM or a Master’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), CAM-specific certifications, or Six Sigma/Lean credentials are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Applied Mechanics / Materials Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–8+ years of hands-on CNC programming, CAM design, and fixture/tooling design experience in a production or prototype machining environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of combined CAD/CAM and manufacturing engineering experience with demonstrated ownership of CNC process development, multi-axis programming, and production launch support.
  • Prior experience with aerospace, medical device, automotive, or precision industrial manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
  • Experience leading continuous improvement projects, working with suppliers for outsourced machining, and supporting quality systems (e.g., ISO/AS standards).
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