Manufacturing Engineer

Hartzell Propeller Inc.; Piqua (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with employer match

GPU program

Job summary

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is a world-class engineering and manufacturing company specializing in propeller systems for aviation. We seek an experienced CNC Programmer / Fixture & Mold Maker to design, program, and machine complex mold components and fixtures with precision.

Join a team focused on continuous improvement, lean practices, and safety. This role offers hands-on tooling design, mold construction, and collaboration with engineering to bring new products to market.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years CNC programming experience.
• Experience in mold, fixture, or toolmaking.
• Read blueprints, CAD models, and apply GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

• Create and optimize CNC programs for molds, fixtures, tooling, and parts.
• Set up and operate CNC machining centers with minimal supervision.
• Machine mold bases, cores, cavities, inserts, and fixture components.
• Read blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings.
• Collaborate with engineering on machining processes for new products.
• Build and modify production fixtures and molds.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and drive process improvements.
• Verify part dimensions with precision measuring equipment.
• Maintain organized programs, tooling libraries, and standards.
• Support lean manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives.
• Maintain clean and safe work environment.

Skills

CNC programming

Precision machining

GD&T

Fixture design

Mold making

Esprit CAM

Blueprint reading

Lean manufacturing

Mentoring

High-speed milling

Education

AAS in Mfg. or Mechanical Eng.

Tools

Esprit CAM

CMM

CAD/CAM modeling

Job description

Description

Hartzell Propeller is a world class engineering and manufacturing company offering the broadest range of propeller systems in the aviation industry. We design, develop, test, manufacture, and support constant-speed aluminum and composite propeller systems for all categories of aircraft, ranging from general aviation to military applications.

Hartzell Propeller LLC.

Hartzell Propeller is a world class engineering and manufacturing company offering the broadest range of propeller systems in the aviation industry. We design, develop, test, manufacture, and support constant-speed aluminum and composite propeller systems for all categories of aircraft, ranging from general aviation to military applications. We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer / Fixture & Mold Maker to join our manufacturing team. This role is ideal for a highly skilled machinist who excels at CNC programming and enjoys building precision fixtures, molds, and tooling. The successful candidate will be responsible for programming, setting up, and machining complex components while supporting tooling design, mold construction, and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Create and optimize CNC programs for complex mold components, fixtures, tooling, and precision-machined parts using CAM software.
• Set up and operate CNC machining centers to produce high-quality components with minimal supervision.
• Machine mold bases, cores, cavities, inserts, fixture components, and custom tooling to tight tolerances.
• Select tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and machining strategies to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop machining processes for new products, molds, and fixtures.
• Build, assemble, repair, and modify production fixtures and molds as required.
• Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues, implementing process improvements to reduce cycle times and improve quality.
• Verify part dimensions using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges, and CMMs when applicable.
• Maintain organized CNC programs, setup documentation, tooling libraries, and machining standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Required Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required; Minimum of 5 years of CNC programming and precision machining experience in a mold, fixture, or toolmaking environment.

Required Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with CAM software such as Esprit or similar.
• Experience programming 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers preferred.
• Strong knowledge of machining practices, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, workholding, and toolpath optimization.
• Experience machining hardened tool steels, aluminum, stainless steel, and engineering plastics.
• Ability to read blueprints, CAD models, and apply GD&T principles.
• Experience with fixture building, mold making, and precision tool assembly.
• Familiarity with manual machining equipment is a plus.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing precision components.
• CAD/CAM modeling and fixture design experience.
• High-speed machining and hard milling experience.
• Knowledge of mold construction, mold repair, and mold maintenance.
• Experience with process optimization, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to mentor machinists and assist with programming best practices.
• AAS in Mfg. or Mechanical Engineering preferred

Required Behavioral Competencies

• Adaptability – Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Applied Learning – Assimilates and applies new job-related information in a timely manner
• Contributes to Team Success – Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals
• Initiates Action – Takes prompt action to accomplish objectives; takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required; is proactive
• Manages Work – Effectively manages one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; shows concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checks processes and tasks; is watchful over a period of time

We are a team that prides ourselves on a culture that supports shared values of empowerment, accountability, drive, integrity, and respect. Our team shares a deep commitment to safety, collaboration, and a love for all things aviation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance, 401(K) plans with employer match, company provided Growth Participation Units (GPU) and so much more. Our GPU benefit is unique to the industry and encourages all employees to think like owners and receive future financial reward for contributions to business growth. Join our team to be part of a culture that encourages growth and development and celebrates our success.

Hartzell Propeller has a pre-employment and random Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing requirement and tests for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines and phencyclidine in addition to alcohol.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability/E-Verify