CNC Machining Process Specialist

Protocase Inc.; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership development

Health care

Vacation 2 weeks +

Community discounts

Gym membership

Team events

Coastal lifestyle

Job summary

Protocase Inc. in Wilmington, NC is seeking a mid-level CNC Machining Process Specialist to troubleshoot and optimize manufacturing processes for 5-axis mills.

You will partner with machinists, programmers, and engineering to test, validate, and implement improvements that raise quality, reduce cycle times, and improve reliability. The role blends hands-on machining with process development, emphasizing practical, data-driven experimentation and documentation of standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of CNC machining experience.
• Experience troubleshooting machining problems and finding practical solutions.
• Experience improving machining processes, tooling, quality, or cycle times.
• Experience working with others to resolve technical issues or improve manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot machining issues and identify the root causes of recurring problems.
• Find ways to improve machining quality, cycle times, tooling, and productivity.
• Test new machining methods, tooling options, and programming approaches.
• Operate CNC mills, including 5-axis machines, to test and validate improvements.
• Help resolve technical machining challenges and support production teams.
• Work with machinists, programmers, and engineering teams to implement process improvements.
• Develop and document practical machining standards and best practices.
• Evaluate results and use what you learn to make machining processes more reliable and efficient.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis milling

G-code

CAM software

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Machining diploma or trade certification

Tools

CAM software

Job description

Position Information

Position Title: CNC Machining Process Specialist
Department: Research & Development
Company: Protocase Inc.
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Shift: Day Shift
Level: Mid-Level (Expected Experience: 3+ Years)

Full Transparency: We Work a Little Differently Around Here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that's just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you'd want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us: https://workdifferently.info/

About the Role

Are you someone who enjoys figuring out why a machining process isn't working and finding a better way to do it?

As a CNC Machining Process Specialist, you'll work with CNC machines, including 5-axis mills, to solve machining challenges and improve how we manufacture parts. This role combines hands-on machining with troubleshooting, testing new approaches, and finding practical ways to improve quality, efficiency, and consistency.

You'll work closely with machinists, programmers, and engineering teams to investigate production issues, test solutions, and turn successful improvements into repeatable processes.

This is more than a traditional machining role. We're looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving, experimenting with new ideas, and improving the way things are done.

What You'll Do

• Troubleshoot machining issues and identify the root causes of recurring problems.
• Find ways to improve machining quality, cycle times, tooling, and productivity.
• Test new machining methods, tooling options, and programming approaches.
• Operate CNC mills, including 5-axis machines, to test and validate improvements.
• Help resolve technical machining challenges and support production teams.
• Work with machinists, programmers, and engineering teams to implement process improvements.
• Develop and document practical machining standards and best practices.
• Evaluate results and use what you learn to make machining processes more reliable and efficient.

What You Need (Required Qualifications)

Education

• A machining diploma, trade certification, Mechanical Engineering Technology or Manufacturing Technology diploma, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Experience

• At least 3 years of CNC machining experience.
• Experience troubleshooting machining problems and finding practical solutions.
• Experience improving machining processes, tooling, quality, or cycle times.
• Experience working with others to resolve technical issues or improve manufacturing processes.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of CNC machining, ideally including 5-axis milling.
• Working knowledge of G-code and CAM software.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A hands-on approach to testing ideas and validating results.
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with different teams.

Other Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in USA.
• Must be able to work on-site in Wilmington, NC.

What Would Be an Asset

• Experience with CNC lathes or Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs).
• Experience in precision manufacturing, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or other continuous improvement methods.
• Experience testing new machining strategies, tooling, or cutting parameters.
• Experience documenting machining trials or process improvements.

About You

• You're a hands-on problem-solver who enjoys figuring out how things work and finding ways to make them better.
• You have a strong background in CNC machining and enjoy tackling challenges that require both technical knowledge and practical thinking.
• You're curious, analytical, and willing to try different approaches to solve problems.
• You take pride in producing quality work, improving processes, and sharing what you learn with others.
• You work well with different teams, communicate your ideas clearly, and enjoy turning successful solutions into better ways of doing things.
• Most importantly, you're someone who takes initiative, thinks beyond simply running a machine, and is always looking for opportunities to improve.

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.

Our starting annual total compensation package—including base salary and performance incentives—ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 USD, depending on experience.

In addition, you can look forward to:

Training & Growth: Leadership development, executive coaching, and opportunities to influence the strategic direction of two rapidly growing technology companies.

Comprehensive Health Care: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Group Insurance available after two months of full-time employment.

Vacation: Start with two weeks of paid vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years and four weeks after five years.

Community Discounts: Access exclusive deals at local businesses.

Wellness Support: Participate in wellness initiatives and enjoy access to a gym membership.

Social Events: Join a growing team that values collaboration, celebrates success, and enjoys regular team lunches and company events.

Wilmington Lifestyle: Embrace coastal living with stunning beaches, a vibrant downtown, rich culture, and a thriving innovation community.

If you're energized by solving complex machining challenges, experimenting with new ideas, and helping shape the future of manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.