Machining Process Engineer

Ford; Chihuahua; On-site; MXN 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford in Chihuahua, Mexico seeks a Machining Process Engineer to own end-to-end machining for major engine components, driving dimensional stability and CPP reduction. You will optimize tooling, interpret CMM data, and coordinate plant trials to support high-volume production with stringent tolerance goals.

The role requires 3–5+ years in automotive CNC machining, with advanced English and a mechanical engineering background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a professional license in a mechanical engineering field.
• Hands-on experience in high-volume CNC machining in automotive.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimize machining processes to meet micron-level tolerances and Cp/Cpk targets.
• Lead selection, trial, and optimization of cutting tools with major vendors.
• Develop tool life strategies and CPP reduction programs.
• Interpret CMM data and translate deviations into offsets and adjustments.
• Analyze cycle times and optimize tool paths to sustain line cadence.
• Author and audit PFMEAs, Control Plans, tool layouts, and operator sheets.
• Plan plant trials for new part numbers and engineering changes.
• Monitor coolant concentration, filtration, and washing processes.

Skills

Process ownership

Dimensional capability

Tooling optimization

Metrology interpretation

Cycle time optimization

Technical documentation

Engineering change management

Education

Bachelor's degree + professional license in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Metallurgical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Sandvik tooling

Kennametal tooling

Mapal tooling

Guhring tooling

Job description

We are looking for a Machining Process Engineer passionate about cutting metallurgy, advanced metrology, and high-speed production line optimization. In this role, you will be the end-to-end technical owner of the machining process for major structural components (CGI/cast iron engine blocks, aluminum cylinder heads, or forged steel crankshafts), driving dimensional stability, the introduction of new tooling, cost-per-part (CPP) reduction, and the alignment between product blueprints and the statistical capabilities ($C_p, C_{pk}$) of our CNC machining centers.

• Process Ownership and Dimensional Capability: Design, validate, and optimize machining processes (milling, deep-hole drilling, reaming, boring, and honing) to ensure critical engine features achieve micron-level tolerances and statistical capabilities (Cp,Cpk≥1.67Cp, Cpk > 1.67Cp, Cpk≥1.67).
• Tooling Management and Cost Reduction (Tooling & CPP):

  • Lead the selection, trial, and optimization of cutting tools (cemented carbide, PCD inserts for aluminum, and CBN for iron/CGI) in partnership with world-class tooling vendors (Sandvik, Kennametal, Mapal, Guhring).

  • Develop tool life strategies, flank wear criteria, and regrind/reconditioning programs to systematically drive down Cost Per Part (CPP) without compromising quality.

• Metrology Correlation and CMM:
  • Interpret daily dimensional reports from Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), surface profilometers (Ra,Rz,RkRa, Rz, RkRa, Rz, Rk) and air gauges.
  • Translate geometric deviations into immediate work offset updates (G54−G59G54-G59), tool wear compensations, or mechanical adjustments to workholding fixtures.
• Cycle Time Optimization and Throughput:

  • Analyze cutting kinematics and non-cutting movements (air cuts) within numerical controllers (Siemens 840D / Fanuc), optimizing tool paths to eliminate bottlenecks and sustain target production line cadence (JPH).

• Technical Documentation and Core Tools (APQP / FPS):

  • Author and audit live process documentation: Machining PFMEAs (failure modes: journal/bore misalignment, exposed porosity, stripped threads, harmonic chatter), Control Plans, Tool Layout Sheets, and Operator Instruction Sheets (OIS / JES).

• Engineering Change Management: Plan and coordinate Plant Trial Runs (PTR) for new part number introductions, product engineering changes (WERS), or modifications in raw casting/forging stock.
• Cutting Fluids and Industrial Washing Support: Monitor and optimize concentration, pH, and filtration of water-soluble coolant or Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) systems, as well as parameters for industrial part washers and thermal/high-pressure waterjet deburring cells.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a Professional License (Cédula Profesional) in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Metallurgical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• 3 to 5+ years of proven experience as a Process, Manufacturing, or Tooling Engineer on high-volume CNC machining lines in the automotive industry (hands‑on experience in machining engine, transmission, chassis, or brake components is essential).

• Advanced / Fluent English (B2+ to C1). Essential for daily communication with Product Engineering (Powertrain D&R in Dearborn) and US-based machine and tooling builders.