Manufacturing Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense in Pascagoula, MS is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer focused on 5‑axis CNC programming to advance propulsion component production. You will translate complex designs into robust multi‑axis programs and collaborate with machinists, engineers, and production teams to optimize processes and implement new CNC equipment.

The ideal candidate has hands-on 5‑axis programming experience, understands GD&T, and can drive tooling selections, process development, and troubleshooting

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience writing and optimizing 5‑axis CNC programs.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software to develop multi‑axis CNC programs.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and machining strategies.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings and interpret GD&T.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing CNC programs and machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, validate, and optimize 5‑axis CNC machining processes for complex components.
• Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.
• Develop toolpaths, tooling selections, machining strategies, and workholding solutions.
• Support CNC machine setups, program prove-outs, troubleshooting, and production operations.
• Optimize cycle times, tool life, machining parameters, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with machinists and production teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Prepare setup instructions, process documentation, and standardized procedures.
• Support introduction, commissioning, and implementation of new CNC equipment, including gantry systems as applicable.
• Use CNC simulation and verification practices to minimize errors and collisions.

Skills

5‑axis CNC programming

CAD/CAM software

Machining processes

GD&T interpretation

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Experience in engineering manufacturing environment

Tools

Siemens NX CAM

VERICUT

SINUMERIK 840D

Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Manufacturing Engineer - 5-Axis CNC Programming

Location: Pascagoula, Mississippi

Industry: Heavy Manufacturing / Precision Machining / Marine & Industrial Fabrication

At Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, we manufacture the complex propulsion components that help move U.S. Navy vessels through the water. From controllable pitch propeller blades to massive monoblock propellers, our work brings together advanced machining, complex hydrodynamic geometry, and precision manufacturing on an extraordinary scale.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you'll turn sophisticated designs into proven machining processes for propulsion systems used across multiple ship classes, including surface combatants and cutters. You'll take ownership from model to machine-developing multi-axis toolpaths, proving out programs alongside machinists, and solving technical challenges where your decisions directly shape production.

The scale is impressive. You'll work with blade castings ranging from 4 to 12 feet in height and weighing 1 to 10 tons for controllable pitch propellers. You'll also have the opportunity to machine monoblock-style propellers from castings up to 21 feet in diameter and weighing up to 50 tons. For an engineer who enjoys complex surfaces, demanding tolerances, and hands‑on problem‑solving, this is an opportunity to see your expertise take shape in a big way.

You’ll also help build our digital manufacturing future. Within an integrated Siemens NX CAM / Teamcenter PLM environment, you’ll develop fully associative CNC programs and create the digital thread from model to machine. Working with CGTech and external Siemens NX engineering partners, you’ll help shape the workflows, programming standards, and manufacturing resources that support the shop floor.

Our planned plant expansion in Pascagoula will include two new multi-axis gantry CNC machines-and you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing those capabilities online. This is an opportunity to build processes, influence new technology, and help define how the next generation of naval propulsion components is manufactured.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in 5‑axis CNC programming and machining to support advanced manufacturing operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The ideal candidate will develop CNC programs, optimize machining processes, select tooling, and support production of large, complex precision‑machined components. Hands‑on 5‑axis CNC programming experience is required. CNC gantry milling programming experience is preferred, but not required.

The engineer will collaborate with machinists, CNC programmers, production personnel, and engineering teams to improve machining performance and support new CNC equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, validate, and optimize 5‑axis CNC machining processes for complex components.
• Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.
• Develop toolpaths, tooling selections, machining strategies, and workholding solutions.
• Support CNC machine setups, program prove‑outs, troubleshooting, and production operations.
• Optimize cycle times, tool life, machining parameters, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with machinists and production teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Prepare setup instructions, process documentation, and standardized procedures.
• Support introduction, commissioning, and implementation of new CNC equipment, including gantry systems as applicable.
• Use CNC simulation and verification practices to minimize errors and collisions.

Required Qualifications

• Required: demonstrated hands‑on experience writing and optimizing 5‑axis CNC programs.
• Proficiency using CAD/CAM software to develop multi‑axis CNC programs.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and machining strategies.
• Experience developing machining processes and supporting production operations.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings and interpret GD&T.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing CNC programs and machining processes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CNC gantry milling programming experience is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with large‑format CNC mills, bridge mills, or gantry‑type machining centers.
• Experience with Siemens NX CAM and Siemens SINUMERIK 840D controls.
• Experience with VERICUT or similar CNC simulation and verification software.
• Experience machining large steel, aluminum, or other industrial components.
• Experience supporting CNC equipment commissioning and process development.
• Background in shipbuilding, marine manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer or CNC Manufacturing Engineer who has developed and implemented 5‑axis CNC programs in production. Candidates with strong 5‑axis programming experience on conventional machining centers will be considered even without prior gantry milling experience.

Key Hiring Requirements

Must have: hands‑on 5‑axis CNC programming, CAD/CAM proficiency, machining process development, and troubleshooting expertise.

Nice to have (not required): CNC gantry milling programming, Siemens NX CAM, SINUMERIK 840D, VERICUT, and large‑component machining experience.

Position Location

Pascagoula, Mississippi. Candidates in the surrounding Gulf Coast area within commuting distance are encouraged to apply.

Position Objective

Provide advanced 5‑axis CNC programming and manufacturing engineering expertise to improve accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and production readiness, including support for future gantry milling capabilities.

Fairbanks Morse is an Equal Opportunity and Aff...

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by the applicable law or government contract), disability or protected veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

• Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled