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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Manufacturing Engineer

💰 $ - $

EngineeringManufacturingCNCMechanical

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining machining processes and CNC programs that deliver high-quality parts at competitive cost and lead time. This role combines hands-on CNC programming and process validation with cross-functional collaboration across design, production, quality, and supply chain. The ideal candidate brings strong CAM/CAD experience, in-depth machining knowledge (mills/lathes/multi-axis), proficiency with G-code and post-processors, and a continuous improvement mindset (Lean/Six Sigma). This role supports new product introductions (NPI), tooling and fixturing design, production troubleshooting, and documentation to meet ISO/AS9100/TS/AS standards and customer requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Operator / Set-up Technician with hands-on machining experience
  • Manufacturing Technician or Machinist with programming exposure
  • Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineer (entry-level) with internship experience in machining

Advancement To:

  • Senior CNC Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineering Manager or Production Engineering Lead
  • Machining or Manufacturing Program Manager / NPI Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineer (Metrology / CMM / SPC focus)
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Engineer
  • Applications/Process Development Engineer or Field Applications Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, validate, and maintain CNC programs for 2-axis to 5-axis mills and turning centers (Fanuc/Haas/Siemens controls), including creation and optimization of G-code, post-processing, and simulation to ensure first-pass quality and cycle-time targets.
  • Translate engineering drawings, 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, Creo) and GD&T callouts into robust machining strategies that minimize set-ups, ensure datum control, and meet tolerances and surface finish requirements.
  • Create and maintain CAM toolpaths, tooling libraries, and post-processor configurations in Mastercam, PowerMill, Fusion 360, or equivalent CAM systems; perform simulation and collision checks prior to machine release.
  • Design and specify fixtures, workholding, and custom tooling in collaboration with fabrication and tool vendors to ensure repeatable part location, quick setups, and stable machining conditions.
  • Lead first article inspections (FAI) and prototype machining runs; record run-off data, verify dimensional conformance with CMM and manual inspection, and iterate process adjustments to meet AS/ISO requirements.
  • Conduct machining process capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts to monitor process stability and drive corrective actions for out-of-control conditions.
  • Perform root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (8D, Fishbone, Five Whys) for machining defects, tool breakage, chatter, and part nonconformities; collaborate with quality and production to implement permanent fixes.
  • Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce cycle time, scrap, and cost, while improving throughput and on-time delivery.
  • Optimize cutting parameters and tool paths for productivity gains and extended tool life by applying knowledge of feeds & speeds, chip loads, coolant strategies, and material machinability (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, plastics).
  • Prepare and maintain detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), setup sheets, and inspection plans for operators and quality; ensure documentation is version-controlled and accessible.
  • Lead NPI efforts for machining-intensive products: perform process capability analysis, pilot production runs, risk assessments (PFMEA), and transfer qualified processes to volume production.
  • Support production floor troubleshooting by performing on-machine diagnostics, setting up test cuts, adjusting tool offsets, and supporting rapid containment to minimize downtime.
  • Manage tooling and consumables inventory, recommend tool specification changes, evaluate new tooling technologies (indexable cutters, PCD, ceramic), and negotiate with vendors to improve lead time and reduce costs.
  • Implement and maintain digital tool management systems, DNC networks, and CAM file libraries to ensure correct program distribution, revision control, and secure program handling.
  • Collaborate with design engineers to apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFMA) principles — suggest design changes to reduce machining complexity, eliminate secondary operations, and cut cost without compromising function.
  • Evaluate and qualify contract manufacturers and machine suppliers; define machining capability requirements, write technical RFQs, and participate in supplier audits to secure consistent part quality.
  • Develop and validate probing routines and on-machine inspection sequences to automate setup, verify critical dimensions, and close loop corrections in-cycle.
  • Train and mentor CNC operators, setup technicians and junior engineers on program interpretation, setup best practices, tool management, and safety procedures to raise shop-floor capability.
  • Plan and execute machine upgrades, retrofits, or controller conversions (Fanuc/Siemens) in partnership with maintenance to improve reliability, cycle time, and feature capability.
  • Implement and enforce machining safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics improvements; participate in safety audits and near-miss investigations.
  • Maintain continuous improvement metrics and KPI dashboards (yield, scrap rate, setup time, tool life) and present monthly performance and improvement plans to manufacturing leadership.
  • Support cross-functional teams in cost reduction initiatives, including material consolidation, alternate process evaluation (EDM, grinding, additive hybrid), and machining strategy rationalization.
  • Ensure all machining processes and documentation comply with company quality systems and relevant industry standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP where applicable).
  • Coordinate with maintenance and reliability teams to schedule preventive maintenance, diagnose root causes of machine faults, and prioritize spare parts to maximize uptime.
  • Participate in capacity planning and resource allocation for machining cell expansion, line balancing, and new product introduction ramp-up activities.
  • Lead technical investigations into process thermal distortion, residual stress effects, and fixture-induced errors to improve first-pass yield on precision components.

Secondary Functions

  • Support production scheduling and provide technical input to make-vs-buy decisions for machined parts.
  • Contribute to ERP/MRP data accuracy by maintaining routing steps, standard times, and tooling BOMs for CNC operations.
  • Assist purchasing in qualifying tooling and machine vendors and reviewing technical quotes for machining services.
  • Stay current on industry trends and emerging machining technologies (high-speed machining, adaptive control, additive-manufacturing-for-machining) and recommend trials where applicable.
  • Participate in cross-functional design reviews and provide machining feasibility feedback early in the product development cycle.
  • Support continuous training programs and cross-training initiatives to build flexible, multi-skilled shop-floor teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert CNC programming skills: G-code understanding and hands-on programming for Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, Mazak or similar controllers.
  • Proficient in CAM software: Mastercam, PowerMill, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM, or equivalent — including post-processor configuration and simulation.
  • Strong CAD modeling experience: SolidWorks, Creo, or Autodesk Inventor for setup sheet and fixture design.
  • Deep understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading to translate tolerances into machining and inspection strategies.
  • Machining process expertise: milling, turning, multi-axis simultaneous machining, thread milling, boring, reaming, and finishing operations.
  • Tooling and fixturing design: selection and specification of indexable tooling, end mills, drills, taps, and custom fixtures.
  • Metrology and inspection skills: CMM programming/interpretation, manual gauging, surface finish measurement, and SPC tools.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk); ability to interpret data and implement corrective actions.
  • Knowledge of materials and machinability: aluminum alloys, stainless steels, titanium, nickel alloys, and engineering plastics.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma tools for process improvement and waste reduction.
  • Experience with NPI processes, PFMEA, control plans, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation.
  • CAM/CNC integration: DNC systems, file management, revision control and versioning of CNC programs.
  • Proficient with machining simulation and verification tools to perform collision detection and dry-run validation.
  • Basic electrical/PLC familiarity beneficial for interfacing with automation, tool changers and machine peripherals.
  • Experience with process documentation systems (ISO, AS9100) and quality management software (QMS).

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to root-cause analysis.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication to create clear setup instructions, training materials, and cross-functional reports.
  • Effective collaborator who can work with design, quality, production, purchasing, and maintenance teams.
  • Attention to detail and process-oriented mindset to ensure repeatability and compliance.
  • Project and time management skills to manage multiple NPI and continuous improvement initiatives concurrently.
  • Coaching and mentoring capabilities to upskill operators and junior engineers.
  • Adaptability and willingness to work on the shop floor to validate processes in real production environments.
  • Customer-focused orientation when supporting internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
  • Initiative and ownership to drive end-to-end resolution for process issues and implement sustainable improvements.
  • Continuous improvement mindset, curious about new machining technologies and productivity enhancements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent trade experience with demonstrable CNC programming and process development experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Additional certifications preferred: Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Lean Practitioner, or CAM/Tooling certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechatronics / Automation
  • Machining Technology / Tooling & Die

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–7 years of progressive experience in CNC programming, process development, or manufacturing engineering for precision machining operations.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years’ experience programming and optimizing multi-axis machining processes, leading NPI for machined components, and executing Lean/Six Sigma continuous improvement projects. Prior shop-floor setup and supervisory exposure strongly preferred.
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