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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Engineering Manager

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingEngineeringCNCManagement

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Engineering Manager leads the CNC machining engineering team to deliver high-quality, on-time production through robust process development, tooling and fixture design, CNC programming (G-code, CAM), and continuous improvement. This role blends hands-on machining expertise (Fanuc/Siemens/Heidenhain controllers, Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidWorks) with strategic leadership—owning process capability, DFM, cost reduction, training and compliance to ISO/AS/NADCAP standards. The ideal candidate drives productivity (OEE, throughput), reduces cycle times, scales manufacturing capacity, and partners with Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to meet business objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Supervisor / Lead Machinist with programming experience
  • Manufacturing / Process Engineer (CNC focus)
  • CAM Programmer or Tooling Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Director of Manufacturing Engineering
  • Plant/Operations Manager
  • VP of Engineering or VP of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineering Manager (AS9100/NADCAP)
  • Production Manager / Operations Manager
  • Supply Chain or Supplier Quality Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, coach and mentor a multidisciplinary team of CNC programmers, process engineers, tooling designers and machinists to deliver efficient, repeatable, and documented machining processes for low- to high-volume precision parts.
  • Own the development and optimization of CNC programs (G-code generation, toolpath strategies) using CAM systems (Mastercam, Fusion 360, HyperMILL, GibbsCAM) to achieve robust first-pass yields and minimized cycle times.
  • Design and validate fixtures, clamps and workholding solutions to ensure repeatability, part stability, and safe machine operation for complex geometries and tight-tolerance components.
  • Establish and sustain machining process capability (Cp/Cpk) through robust process documentation, control plans, and run studies; drive corrective actions when process performance falls outside targets.
  • Drive tooling strategy including selection of cutting tools, inserts, tool life analysis, and supplier qualification to balance cost, performance and uptime.
  • Partner with Design Engineering and customers to perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, provide feedback on tolerances, materials and features, and reduce costly rework or redesigns.
  • Implement and manage preventative and predictive maintenance strategies for CNC machines in collaboration with maintenance teams to maximize availability and OEE.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for process escapes and nonconformances using structured problem-solving (5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC) and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Manage NC code revision control and program libraries; ensure secure backup, standardization across machines, and proper change control procedures through ERP/MRP integration.
  • Define, track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, machine utilization, scrap rate, first-pass yield, on-time delivery and cost per part to senior leadership.
  • Own capital equipment proposals, ROI analyses and vendor evaluations for new CNC machines, automation partners (robotics, pallet changers), and probing systems.
  • Coordinate process validation and qualification activities for regulated industries (aerospace, medical devices) including PPAP, AS9102, first article inspection, and NADCAP requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with industry quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100) and drive internal audits, nonconformance investigations and supplier corrective actions related to machining processes.
  • Establish and run continuous improvement programs (Kaizen events, Lean, 5S) to reduce non-value-added activities, optimize flow, and lower manufacturing costs across CNC cell operations.
  • Oversee capacity planning and scheduling input to Production Planning & Control—model capacity scenarios, run rates and lead-time impacts for quote-to-delivery decisions.
  • Manage hiring, performance reviews, training plans and skills development for the CNC engineering and programming team; build bench strength and succession plans.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation—work instructions, setup sheets, fixture drawings, inspection plans and operator training modules to minimize setup variation.
  • Collaborate with Quality Engineering to implement SPC (statistical process control) and in-process probing strategies to monitor critical dimensions and reduce escapes.
  • Drive supplier and outsourced machining partner selection, qualification, and performance monitoring; define machining specifications and acceptance criteria for purchased parts.
  • Lead tooling and process standardization across multiple shifts or sites, ensuring consistent part quality and enabling scale-up of manufacturing processes.
  • Manage manufacturing cost reduction initiatives including cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, consolidation of operations and implementation of high-efficiency machining strategies (trochoidal milling, high-feed turning).

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical input to estimates and quotations to ensure machining feasibility, cycle time accuracy, and appropriate tooling allowances.
  • Support new product introductions (NPI) by coordinating pilot runs, process transfers, control plans and production readiness reviews.
  • Maintain relationships with machine tool builders, tooling vendors and CAM software support to incorporate new capabilities and troubleshoot complex issues.
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication between Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain and Customers for technical escalations and delivery commitments.
  • Oversee the implementation of digital manufacturing tools (tool life monitoring, shop-floor data collection, DNC systems) to improve data-driven decision making.
  • Support health & safety programs; ensure machine guarding, lockout/tagout, safe work procedures and ergonomics are enforced in all CNC operations.
  • Review and enforce cost-control objectives within the CNC engineering budget, including tooling spend, subcontract machining and capital improvements.
  • Mentor and support continuous learning by promoting certifications (Six Sigma, Lean, CAD/CAM training) and technical knowledge sharing sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert in CNC programming and troubleshooting — G-code, macro programming, subroutines and conversational programming for lathes and mills.
  • Proficient with CAM software: Mastercam, Fusion 360, HyperMILL, GibbsCAM, or similar for 2.5D, 3D milling and multi-axis programming.
  • Familiar with CAD tools: SolidWorks, NX, Creo for reading and collaborating on part models, fixtures and tooling designs.
  • Hands-on experience with common CNC controllers: Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain and knowledge of DNC/probe systems.
  • Strong knowledge of metal cutting fundamentals: feeds & speeds optimization, tool geometry, metallurgy and coolant strategies.
  • GD&T proficiency for interpreting engineering drawings, defining critical features and communicating inspection requirements.
  • SPC, statistical analysis and process capability (Cp, Cpk) experience to monitor and control critical machining characteristics.
  • Experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvement and waste reduction.
  • Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory standards: ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, FDA (for medical device machining environments).
  • ERP/MRP and MES exposure (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, JobBOSS) for program management, inventory and work order control.
  • Knowledge of tooling suppliers, insert grades, and tool life management systems.
  • Experience implementing shop-floor automation (robotic load/unload, pallet changers) and metrology equipment (CMM, in-process probes).

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and team development skills; able to coach machinists and engineers to higher performance.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication—capable of presenting technical information to non-technical stakeholders and customers.
  • Strategic thinker with hands-on execution—balances long-term improvements with short-term delivery commitments.
  • Problem-solver with structured analytical approach and experience leading cross-functional root cause investigations.
  • Project management skills—prioritizes initiatives, manages timelines, and delivers results under cost constraints.
  • Customer-focused mindset—partners with internal and external customers to meet specs, schedules, and cost objectives.
  • Resilient and adaptable—manages change in fast-paced manufacturing environments and multiple concurrent projects.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality, safety and documentation rigor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline; or equivalent experience plus trade/CNC certifications.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering with coursework or certification in CNC programming, CAM, or Lean/Six Sigma.
  • Advanced certifications: Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), ASQ certification, or management training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Technical trades with CNC programming/apprenticeship

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7–15+ years of progressive experience in CNC machining, programming, process engineering or production supervision, including 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-shift CNC operations and leading engineering teams.
  • Experience in regulated industries (aerospace, medical devices, defense) and working knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, PPAP and first article inspection.
  • Proven track record delivering cost reductions, cycle time improvements and capacity expansion through program optimization and automation.
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