Machining Process Engineer - Lean & Automation

Ichor Systems, Inc.; Sauk Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 86,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid time-off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Ichor Systems is seeking a Machining Engineer to drive continuous improvement and optimize manufacturing efficiency across manual and CNC machining operations. The role emphasizes process optimization, workflow design, and robotics/automation opportunities to increase throughput and reduce waste.

Ideal candidates bring a strong background in manufacturing processes, hands-on troubleshooting, and experience with fixtures, tooling, and CAD tools to support production improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Systems Engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading process improvement and optimization projects.
• Hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, and layouts.
• Proficiency using CAD tools for layouts and fixturing.
• Strong Lean, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into improvements.
• Familiarity with GD&T and production systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement and optimization initiatives across machining operations.
• Analyze processes to improve cycle time, throughput, quality, and cost.
• Develop and implement better manufacturing methods and workflows.
• Design production lines, cells, and layouts to improve flow.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement capacity-increasing solutions.
• Evaluate automation opportunities including robotics and inspection.
• Design fixtures and workholding to improve repeatability and productivity.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma to reduce waste and defects.
• Use data, time studies, and root-cause analysis to prioritize improvements.
• Lead projects from problem definition to sustained implementation.
• Support equipment selection, installation, and process qualification.
• Collaborate with machinists, engineers, and operations teams on improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard work, instructions, and processes.

Skills

Process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root-cause analysis

CNC machining

CAD/CAx

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Systems Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

CAD software

Job description

Ichor Systems is seeking a Machining Engineer to drive continuous improvement and optimize manufacturing efficiency across manual and CNC machining operations. The role emphasizes process optimization, workflow design, and robotics/automation opportunities to increase throughput and reduce waste.

Ideal candidates bring a strong background in manufacturing processes, hands-on troubleshooting, and experience with fixtures, tooling, and CAD tools to support production improvements.