Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Machining

Direct Hire Opportunity | Manufacturing Engineering | CNC Machining & Process Improvement

Position Overview

three14 group is partnering with an established industrial manufacturing organization to identify a Manufacturing Engineer who will play a key role in optimizing manufacturing processes, improving operational efficiency, and supporting CNC machining operations.

This position will be responsible for providing hands-on engineering and technical support within an in-house CNC machining environment, with a focus on CNC programming, machining process optimization, tooling and fixture development, waste reduction, and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams, the Manufacturing Engineer will help improve production workflows, troubleshoot machining challenges, enhance process reliability, and implement solutions that increase throughput, improve quality, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Machining & Manufacturing Engineering

• Provide engineering and technical support for daily operations within an in-house CNC machining environment.
• Support CNC programming, initial program releases, machining setups, and process troubleshooting to ensure reliable and efficient production.
• Collaborate directly with CNC machinists, manufacturing personnel, and engineering teams to resolve machining challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
• Evaluate and optimize machining processes, including tooling selection, setup methods, cycle times, and overall production efficiency.
• Develop, modify, and improve machining fixtures, jigs, and tooling to enhance precision, repeatability, and productivity.
• Determine optimal manufacturing methods, maintain MRP routings, and develop accurate setup and process documentation.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Identify and eliminate waste throughout manufacturing operations, with particular emphasis on CNC machining processes.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Review and improve manufacturing procedures, work instructions, and production workflows.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes and implement improvements to reduce setup times, minimize scrap and rework, and increase machine utilization.
• Evaluate and recommend capital equipment investments, tooling improvements, and manufacturing technologies that increase throughput and reduce operating costs.

Quality, Engineering & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, develop rework routings, and support corrective action initiatives.
• Ensure machining processes consistently meet engineering specifications, dimensional requirements, and quality standards.
• Communicate manufacturing process changes, production challenges, and improvement opportunities across departments.
• Support engineering and business development initiatives by evaluating manufacturing capabilities, process feasibility, and production requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing engineering or related technical experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations, including machining processes, tooling, setups, and production troubleshooting.
• Experience within an engineer-to-order, custom manufacturing, or precision machining environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing process development, production routings, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, project execution, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with CNC machinists, production teams, Quality, and Engineering personnel.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with CNC programming, machining process optimization, and tooling or fixture design.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations involving CNC mills, lathes, or other precision machining equipment.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems, manufacturing routings, and production documentation.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, waste reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience evaluating manufacturing equipment, tooling investments, and process improvement opportunities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with a strong understanding of CNC machining operations who enjoys working directly on the shop floor to solve problems and improve production performance.

This individual combines technical manufacturing knowledge with a continuous improvement mindset and can effectively collaborate with machinists, engineering teams, and production leadership to implement practical solutions.

Success in this role requires someone who can move comfortably between engineering analysis and hands-on manufacturing support, taking ownership of machining process improvements from identification through implementation.

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity to make a measurable impact within an established manufacturing operation by improving CNC machining processes, introducing more efficient manufacturing methods, and supporting continued operational improvement.

three14 group is managing the recruitment process on behalf of our client. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to learn more about the organization and opportunity.

three14 group is an equal opportunity recruiting partner. Our client provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants, including reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• M-Code