Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Project Engineer

💰 $75,000 - $120,000

EngineeringManufacturingCNCProject Management

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Project Engineer is a cross-functional technical lead who manages the lifecycle of CNC machining projects — from feasibility studies, quoting and design-for-manufacture (DFM) to CNC programming, fixture and tooling design, machine selection, installation, process validation, and production ramp-up. This role coordinates internal engineering, manufacturing, procurement and quality teams as well as external suppliers and OEMs to deliver on cost, cycle-time, and quality targets. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on knowledge of multi-axis machining, CAM/CAD tools, G‑code, metrology, and a track record of driving continuous improvement and launch readiness in high-mix, low- to medium-volume environments (aerospace, medical, industrial).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Machinist / Senior Machinist
  • CAM Programmer / CNC Programmer
  • Manufacturing or Process Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior CNC Project Engineer / Lead Project Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineering Manager
  • Program Manager / Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Engineer
  • Quality Engineer (Metrology/Inspection)
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead end-to-end CNC project delivery: develop project plans, scope, schedules, budgets and risk registers to bring new parts and processes from concept to volume production while meeting cost, quality and timing objectives.
  • Create and validate CNC process plans, including machine selection (lathe, mill, multi-axis, mill-turn), tooling, fixture designs and routings that minimize cycle time and ensure repeatable tolerances.
  • Generate, optimize and review CAM programs (Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, CATIA) and post-process G‑code for Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain and other controllers; validate programs offline and on-machine.
  • Perform detailed DFMA/DFM reviews of engineering drawings; apply GD&T/ASME Y14.5 to set inspection criteria, tolerance stacks and process capability objectives.
  • Design and specify custom fixtures, workholding and cutting tools; collaborate with in-house toolroom or external tooling vendors to prototype, test and iterate fixtures.
  • Execute first-article inspections (FAI), capability studies (Cpk/Ppk), PPAP and APQP deliverables; document results and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Lead machine installations and commissioning: define site requirements, supervise OEM integration, configure controller parameters, verify axis compensation and machine kinematics for multi-axis systems.
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), process sheets, work instructions and CNC setup/checklists to support training and production handover.
  • Manage capital equipment procurement for CNC assets: prepare specifications, evaluate vendors, walk-off acceptance testing and ensure warranty/installation support.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues using root-cause analysis (8D, 5-why, Ishikawa) to resolve dimensional nonconformances, chatter, tool breakage and surface-finish problems.
  • Optimize cycle time and cost through machining strategy improvements, tooling upgrades, nesting/fixturing changes and spindle/load balancing.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams (design engineering, quality, purchasing, production scheduling) and external suppliers to ensure parts meet release criteria and on-time delivery.
  • Implement process controls and SPC charts on critical characteristics; monitor trends, set control limits and drive continuous improvement projects to reduce variability and scrap.
  • Estimate manufacturing costs and machining time for quotes and proposals; provide manufacturing inputs to design reviews to influence cost, lead-time and supplier selection.
  • Validate new materials and heat treatments for machinability and dimensional stability; develop recommended cutting data and coolant / clamping strategies.
  • Oversee prototype builds and pilot runs; collect run-rate metrics, compute throughput, and provide go/no-go recommendations for production ramp.
  • Ensure compliance to quality and regulatory standards (ISO 9001, AS9100 where applicable) and support internal/external audits related to machining processes.
  • Mentor and train machinists, CAM programmers and junior engineers on setup, best practices, troubleshooting and safety around CNC equipment.
  • Maintain and update bills-of-material (BOM), process routings and manufacturing data in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma) focused on productivity, set-up reduction (SMED), inventory optimization and waste elimination.
  • Coordinate preventative maintenance plans and spare-parts lists to maximize machine uptime and support rapid recovery from breakdowns.
  • Manage engineering change requests (ECOs/ECNs) related to tooling, fixtures, program revisions and process parameters; communicate impacts to stakeholders.
  • Conduct supplier capability assessments and technical RFQs for outsourced machining, toolmaking and fixture manufacturing; qualify subcontractors against quality and delivery metrics.
  • Prepare technical reports, risk assessments, production readiness packages and launch reviews for senior management and customers.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc manufacturing cost analysis, cycle time modeling and capacity planning to inform managerial decisions and bids.
  • Contribute to the organization's manufacturing technology roadmap and recommendations for automation or robotic integration to augment CNC operations.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate product roadmap and customer requirements into manufacturable CNC solutions and realistic project timelines.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile-style ceremonies when working on cross-functional engineering or process-improvement projects.
  • Maintain device and process documentation for traceability and continuous improvement; archive CNC programs, tooling history and measurement records.
  • Assist in establishing training curricula, certification checklists and competency tracking for CNC operators and CAM programmers.
  • Provide technical input to sales and quoting teams on manufacturability, tolerances and lead-time assumptions during proposal development.
  • Act as escalation point for production issues during launch and support second-line troubleshooting for complex machining problems.
  • Help source and evaluate measurement equipment (CMM, optical comparators, profilometers) and coordinate initial acceptance and capability verification.
  • Support sustainability and safety initiatives related to coolant management, chip handling and machine guarding compliance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert CNC programming and G-code knowledge for Fanuc, Siemens and Heidenhain controllers; strong CAM proficiency (Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, CATIA).
  • Hands-on experience with multi-axis machining (3, 4 and 5-axis) and mill-turn centers; understanding of kinematics, rotary indexing and toolpath strategies.
  • Solid CAD capabilities (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) to interpret and sometimes modify part geometry and design fixtures.
  • GD&T/ASME Y14.5 competency for drawing interpretation, tolerance stack-ups and inspection planning.
  • Fixturing and tooling design skills; familiarity with hydraulic/pneumatic clamps, modular fixture systems and quick-change tooling.
  • Metrology and inspection experience: CMM programming/operation, calipers, micrometers, surface finish measurement and first-article inspection.
  • Statistical process control (SPC), capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) and Six Sigma problem-solving tools (DMAIC, 8D).
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and CAD/CAM data management; BOM and routing management.
  • Project management skills including schedule development, critical path identification and risk mitigation; experience with MS Project or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and standards: ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP, APQP and supplier quality management.
  • Machine tool commissioning, preventative maintenance planning and familiarity with CNC servo drives, spindles and basic PLC logic.
  • Materials knowledge relevant to machining (aluminum alloys, stainless steels, titanium, superalloys, plastics) and their impact on cutting parameters.

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication — able to translate technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders and suppliers.
  • Leadership and team facilitation — lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior staff through complex launches.
  • Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
  • Excellent organization and time-management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
  • Customer-focused orientation with negotiation skills and the ability to manage expectations under schedule or cost pressure.
  • Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced manufacturing environments; proactive under ambiguity.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality and process documentation.
  • Collaborative mindset with strong stakeholder management across engineering, production, procurement and quality.
  • Initiative and creativity for devising novel fixturing, machining sequences or cost reduction strategies.
  • Safety conscious with ability to lead safety reviews for new machines and manufacturing cells.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related technical discipline OR equivalent trade experience with progressive responsibility in CNC environments.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering with focused coursework in machining, tooling, or CAD/CAM.
  • Technical certifications (e.g., Fanuc/Siemens controller training, Mastercam certification, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, AS9100 auditor).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Applied Sciences / Machining Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8+ years of hands-on CNC machining and manufacturing engineering experience; 2–5 years in a project engineering or process engineering role leading machine or part launches.

Preferred:

  • 5–10 years total experience with demonstrated success in multi-axis CNC programming, fixture design, process validation and capital equipment projects.
  • Experience in regulated industries (aerospace, medical devices, defense) or complex supply chains; familiarity with AS9100/ISO requirements a plus.
  • Proven track record delivering production ramps, reducing cycle time/cost, and improving first-pass yield through process engineering.
Explore More Careers