Machining Applications Lead — Tooling & Process Innovation

Patriot Machine Inc; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Life/disability

401(k) with employer contributions

Paid vacation

Holidays

Job summary

Patriot Machine, Inc. is seeking a Machining Applications and Technology Lead in St. Charles, MO to bridge NC programming, tooling, and process development.

This lead role develops cutter plans, guides tooling decisions, and drives trials and technology implementations across the shop floor. You will coordinate with NC programming, Manufacturing Engineering, and leadership to standardize practices, reduce upfront planning time, and increase first‑run success on complex aerospace parts.

Qualifications

• Experience in cutting tool applications, CNC machining process planning, manufacturing engineering, machining technology, or a similar technical role.
• Experience leading technical projects, trials, process improvement efforts, or a small technical team is preferred.
• Degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• Equivalent hands‑on experience will be considered.
• Mid‑level to senior candidates are preferred.
• Applicant must be a U.S. Person.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support cutter plans for all new jobs routed through NC Programming.
• Assist Manufacturing Engineering and NC Programming during initial job planning to help define tooling approach, machining strategy, and process direction.
• Provide technical direction to machining applications support staff and help coordinate their work.
• Support NC programmers with cutter selection, holder selection, reach review, cutting parameters, and machining process decisions.
• Review tooling approaches for 3‑axis, 4‑axis, and 5‑axis milling, including high‑speed machining and aerospace parts.
• Use NX to review tool reach, clearance, and usability.
• Analyze machine data, production results, tooling trial results, and process performance to support recommendations.
• Lead tooling, process, and technology testing projects and document results.

Skills

Cutting tool applications

CNC machining process planning

Manufacturing Engineering

Machining technology

Project leadership

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

NX CAM

CAD/CAM systems

Job description

Patriot Machine, Inc. is seeking a Machining Applications and Technology Lead in St. Charles, MO to bridge NC programming, tooling, and process development.

This lead role develops cutter plans, guides tooling decisions, and drives trials and technology implementations across the shop floor. You will coordinate with NC programming, Manufacturing Engineering, and leadership to standardize practices, reduce upfront planning time, and increase first‑run success on complex aerospace parts.