CNC NPI Manufacturing Engineering Manager

100Hires, Inc.; Villa Park (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmid Tool & Engineering in Villa Park, IL, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead New Project Launch teams, drive NPI rollouts, and optimize machining and finishing processes across HMCs, VMCs, Swiss and fixed-stock lathes.

You will develop ROI analyses, approve capital equipment, update ERP routings, mentor engineers and technicians, perform time studies, and champion lean processes to improve safety, quality and overall plant performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering leadership.
• Fluency in part print specifications and dimensional requirements.
• Experience with CNC machining and finishing processes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead New Project Launch Engineering team to meet customer demand and margins.
• Own preparation and rollout of new product launches and process changes.
• Develop ROI/payback analyses for capital equipment.
• Create, review, and update manufacturing work instructions and ERP routings.
• Coach engineers and technicians on process improvements.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance on the shop floor.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

CNC tooling

CNC programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline

Tools

CMMs

Optical measurement systems

ERP systems

Visio

Job description

CNC NPI Manufacturing Engineering ManagerImagine stepping onto the production floor at the start of your day. You huddle with New Project Launch Engineers, review a launch plan, walk a machining cell, and spot two quick wins: a tooling change that trims cycle time on a Swiss-type lathe and a revised work instruction that boosts first-pass yield on a vertical machining center. By mid-morning, you’re presenting a capital expenditure case for a new horizontal machining center, complete with payback analysis. In the afternoon, you finalize routings in the ERP, approve a quality plan with the Quality team, and coach a technician through a wire EDM setup. That’s a snapshot of this role in action.What You’ll LeadGuide the New Project Launch Engineering team to meet customer demand and margin objectives while ensuring operational excellence.Own the preparation and rollout of new product launches, specification updates, and process changes across machining and finishing.Recommend capital equipment, build investment budgets, and develop ROI/payback analyses.Develop and drive implementation plans for new part introductions.Create, review, and approve manufacturing work instructions and update ERP routings.Conduct time studies and labor analyses to elevate productivity and efficiency.Develop quality plans with Engineering and Quality partners; lead structured problem solving.Assess customer/print requirements versus internal capabilities and propose drawing/spec changes to customers or suppliers when needed.Resolve production quality issues, author rework instructions, and protect OEE.Hire, mentor, and coach New Product Launch Engineers and Technicians; serve as a technical resource to Manufacturing Engineers.Deliver training to production teams on key process changes and onboard new NPI engineers.Manage vendor specifications and participate in technical negotiations.Support RFQs to ensure technical feasibility and competitive process strategies.Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Operations to support company goals.Hands-On Machining ExpertiseSuccess in this role requires proven, practical experience with CNC machining processes, programming, tooling, setup, and process optimization across:Horizontal Machining Centers (HMCs)Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs)CNC Fixed-Stock LathesSwiss-Type CNC MachinesCore RequirementsDemonstrated leadership and team management capability.Skill in balancing multiple programs, budgets, and priorities at once.Advanced problem-solving and process optimization acumen.Clear, concise communication and technical/customer documentation skills.Unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.Technical Knowledge and SkillsRequired background:10+ years in manufacturing engineering, including leadership responsibilities.Fluency in part print specifications and dimensional requirements.Manufacturing and finishing processes, including:Heat treatingAlloy steels and aluminum gradesAnodizing, phosphate, chrome platingSand blasting, deburring, tumbling, mass finishingInvestment castingMachining processes and methods, including:Horizontal, Vertical, CNC Fixed Stock Lathe, and Swiss Machining/ProgrammingGrinding and honingWire EDM and automated machinesFixture design and cutting tool specificationQuality control foundations, SPC tool use, and process capability analysis.Proficiency with CMMs, optical measurement systems, and a range of gauges.Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.Experience in labor analysis, workplace layout study, and time study.Computer skills: Excel, Word, Visio; ERP system exposure is a plus.Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline required.Minimum 10 years’ manufacturing engineering experience, with 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.In lieu of a degree, 20+ years of equivalent technical experience may be considered.Physical RequirementsAble to lift up to 50 lbs.Able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during an 8-hour shift.Regular exposure to manufacturing environments (noise, dust, machinery).Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ProficienciesLeadership / People ManagementCNC ToolingCNC ProgrammingCNC Machine RepairCNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverSchmid Tool & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.