Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Focus; Seneca (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus in Seneca, SC is seeking an Engineer, Senior II (ME Lead - Machining) to lead a manufacturing engineering team on a machining floor. The role oversees process ownership, Downtime reduction and tooling optimization in a high-precision environment using CNC lathes, mills and grinders.

The position requires a 5+ year engineering background in CNC machining, a Bachelor's in Mechanical or related field, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or related engineering discipline is required.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in CNC machining environment.
• 2+ years leading a technical team preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own designated process with responsibility for reliability, stability, and documentation across machinery, gauging, quality, tooling, capacity, and records.
• Provide daily technical support to resolve downtime via mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and coolant systems.
• Troubleshoot tooling-related downtime with vendors to optimize tooling.
• Lead new product launch team: manufacturing plans, operator content, machine capability, quality checks, information flow.
• Drive capacity planning and capital forecasting for the department.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, FMEAs, control plans, tool sheets, and job instructions.
• Train leads and operators; support multiple shifts and weekends when required.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

PLC programming

Changeover optimization

Tooling optimization

Project management

Root-cause problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Industry 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Tools

None

Job description

Position Title: Engineer, Senior II (ME Lead - Machining)

Location: Seneca, SC On-site / Hybrid (Manufacturing Environment)

Position Type: Full-time

Travel Required: Up to 5%

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for production floor support and process improvement for the machining of complex, tight-tolerance components utilizing CNC-controlled lathes, mills, and grinding equipment. Additional responsibilities include procurement of new equipment to support capacity uplifts and new programs, as well as quoting new business. This position plans and conducts work requiring judgment in independent evaluations, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria, requiring new approaches to complex engineering problems. This role leads a group of manufacturing engineers and hourly technicians.

Process Ownership & Operational Support

• Serve as process owner of a designated departmental process, holding full responsibility for delivering a reliable, stable, and sustainable process across machinery, gaging, quality, tooling, capacity, and documentation.
• Provide daily technical support to production and maintenance to resolve machine downtime through troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and coolant systems.
• Troubleshoot and solve downtime caused by tooling issues, collaborating with tooling vendors to design and supply optimal departmental tooling.
• Address quality-related downtime using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 6 Sigma).
• Disposition parts on hold regarding rework or scrap, and support incoming material suppliers on quality issues.
• Maintain equipment post-launch for continuous improvement, efficiency, and safety troubleshooting, ensuring proper 5S standards.
• Collaborate with the Area Production Leader (APL) through daily meetings and joint initiatives to drive departmental financial performance.

New Product Launch & Equipment Procurement

• Lead the new product launch team responsible for designing manufacturing plans, including operator work content, machine capability, quality checks, and information flow.
• Lead departmental capacity planning and capital forecasting activities.
• Determine parts, tools, and gaging required to meet manufacturing goals according to product specifications.
• Evaluate machine builders through site visits, demonstrated capability, and financial health to select and purchase replacement or capacity-expansion equipment.
• Write purchase requisitions, lead quoting, and qualify new machining, assembly, and test equipment at machine builder sites.
• Direct equipment installation plans, floor layouts, robotic integration, runoffs, and formal handoffs to production.

Process Improvement, Quality & Documentation

• Analyze equipment layouts, workflows, assembly methods, and workforce utilization to design manufacturing processes that reduce costs and maximize efficiency.
• Write Appropriation Request (AR) narratives to justify capital funding for cost-reduction projects.
• Leverage GD&T, metrology, metallurgy, and assembly/test knowledge to provide manufacturability feedback to product development teams and lower costs on current and future programs.
• Develop, update, and maintain all process documentation, including process sheets, control plans, FMEAs, FPPAs, tool sheets, and job instructions.
• Create "add-to-stock" requests to maintain proper spare parts inventory.
• Train department team leads and operators, and support manufacturing across all operating shifts and weekends when required.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of engineering experience in a CNC machining environment required.
• Leadership: Two (2) years of experience leading a technical team preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Required Technical Expertise: Proficient in GD&T, CNC machining/grinding, PLC programming (ladder logic), changeover optimization, tooling optimization/testing, project management, troubleshooting, and root-cause problem solving.
• Preferred Technical Expertise: Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, cleanliness processes, Industry 4.0, and automation concepts and implementation.

Competencies

• Safety mindset, drive for results, functional/technical excellence, structured problem solving, and process management.
• Ability to handle complex design requirements, non-standard materials, and difficult cross-functional coordination.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Environment: Primarily a manufacturing plant floor environment.
• Physical Ability: Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. shoulder high.
• Safety: Compliance with safety rules and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated campus areas.
• Travel: Occasional travel required (up to 5%).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.