Manufacturing Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Walpole (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming to develop and prove out advanced NX CAM programs for 3–5 axis milling, turning, and mill-turn on DoD-propulsion components. You will own the digital thread from model to machine using Siemens NX CAM/Teamcenter PLM and VERICUT simulations, collaborating with partners to drive shop-floor standards.

You’ll work across engineering office and active shop floors, building post processors and validating toolpaths, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Manufacturing or related field required or 8+ years experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience with Siemens NX CAM and Teamcenter PLM in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong CNC programming and post-processor development skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prove out, and maintain fully associative NX CAM programs for 3–5 axis milling/turning on 840D machines.
• Create complex surfaces and drive geometries for propulsion components with complex curvature.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to standardize workflows on the shop floor.

Skills

Siemens NX CAM

VERICUT

Teamcenter PLM

CNC programming

Python/MATLAB

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Associate’s degree with 8+ years’ experience

10+ years progressive Manufacturing Engineering/CNC programming

Tools

Siemens SINUMERIK 840D

Renishaw on-machine probing

CSE/VERICUT integration

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Confidential Clearance

The Role

We are the single-source supplier of complex propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy, manufacturing precision components across multiple ship classes for surface combatants and cutters. The work is big – literally. You’ll be programming and proving out multi-axis toolpaths on hydrodynamic propulsion surfaces from blades castings ranging from 4 to 12 feet in height and 1 to 10 tons. These are not commodity parts.

We are building a fully digital manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up — and this role is central to that effort. You will own the development of fully associative CNC programs inside an integrated Siemens NX CAM / Teamcenter PLM environment, creating the digital thread from model to machine. You’ll work with a Teamcenter instance that is actively being built out, collaborate with CGTech and external Siemens NX engineering partners, and shape the workflows and standards that the shop floor runs on. This is a building role, not a maintenance role.

Core Tech Stack

• CAD/CAM: Siemens NX (advanced surfacing, fully associative CAM)
• Controls: Siemens SINUMERIK 840D PL / SL and SINUMERIK ONE
• Simulation: VERICUT (CGTech), Internal NX Simulation (CSE)
• Optimization: Third Wave Systems Production Module
• Scripting & Automation: Python, MATLAB, C#, PowerShell/Batch.

What You’ll Own

CNC Programming & Advanced NX Modeling

• Develop, prove out, and maintain fully associative NX CAM programs for 3- through 5-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn operations on Siemens 840D-controlled machines.
• Create complex drive geometries, auxiliary surfaces, and containment boundaries using advanced NX curve and surface techniques for propulsion components with compound curvature.
• Validate toolpaths through NX CSE and VERICUT prior to machine prove-out — gouge detection, collision checking, and full-environment machine simulation.
• Program Renishaw and Siemens on-machine probing cycles for automated setup, in-process verification, and offset management.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot highly customized lights-out post processors for unattended machining across multiple machine configurations.
• Follow and contribute to the company’s proprietary Master Model Concept, working within structured stage models and manufacturing method assemblies to maintain disciplined, repeatable programming practices across all hydrodynamic production programs.

Simulation & External Collaboration

• Work directly with CGTech to build and improve VERICUT machine simulation models — kinematics, fixtures, tooling, and controller behavior.
• Collaborate with external Siemens NX and Teamcenter engineering partners on Post Configurator development, NX CAM environment customization, template standardization, and workflow automation.

Digital Manufacturing & PLM

• Own manufacturing data in Teamcenter — revision control, release workflows, traceability from design through manufacturing.
• Build and refine Manufacturing Resource Library (MRL) structures, classification, and workflows in both Rich Client and Active Workspace Client.
• Develop AWC-based search and visualization workflows to improve shop floor access to manufacturing data.

Process Optimization

• Apply Third Wave Systems Production Module for physics-based feed optimization and tool life prediction.
• Perform tool tap testing and cutting force analysis to characterize machine dynamics and eliminate chatter in difficult alloys.
• Optimize machining processes for specific materials
• Drive tooling selection, cutting parameter development, and cycle time reduction.

Technical Documentation & Process Control

• Author and maintain technical instructions with clear operation sequencing, tooling callouts, and quality requirements.
• Develop pre-flight checklists for CNC setups, prove-outs, and first-article runs.
• Serve as the go-to technical resource for machinists and operators during prove-outs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
• Support machine tool alignment, calibration, and qualification for multi-axis equipment.
• Collaborate with quality and metrology on first-article inspections and CMM correlation.
• Investigate machining-related non-conformances, author rework procedures and support

Who You Are

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology or related discipline
• Associate’s degree in technical discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience
• No degree with 10+ years of progressive Manufacturing Engineering and CNC programming experience demonstrating equivalent technical depth and breadth

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency or demonstrated aptitude with Siemens NX CAM, including fully associative programming linked to managed CAD data, or ability to learn rapidly.
• VERICUT digital simulation experience, or ability to learn rapidly.
• Experience or strong foundational knowledge of Siemens 840D controls
• Working knowledge of Teamcenter PLM, or ability to learn rapidly. Rich Client and AWC experience preferred.
• Exposure to Renishaw and/or Siemens on-machine probing.
• GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5 applied to machining process development.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for DoD confidential clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or naval propulsion manufacturing with mature PLM-integrated programming workflows.
• Experience working within structured master model methodologies utilizing stage models, manufacturing method assemblies, or similar disciplined CAD/CAM data architecture approaches.
• NX Simulation CSE proficiency for in-process stock verification.
• Lights-out machining post processor development and safety logic.
• Third Wave Systems or similar physics-based machining simulation.
• Tap testing and modal analysis for machine tool dynamic characterization.
• Ball Bar / Machine Kinematic Testing Experience
• Laser Scanning / Tracking Experience
• 6-Axis Fanuc Arm Experience with Fanuc Roboguide Software
• Demonstrated ownership of CNC programming systems or digital manufacturing infrastructure, not just use of them.
• NX Post Configurator exposure or advanced post processor customization.
• PLM or Teamcenter configuration experience — MRL buildout, AWC workflow development, classification, importing validated native tools and design/manufacturing definition.
• Scripting or automation experience
• Track record of mentoring or leading technical staff.

Split time between engineering office and active shop floor across multiple factory buildings. Standard machine shop conditions. Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs. Occasional travel for vendor coordination or training.

ITAR/EAR: Applicants must be U.S. Persons per 22 CFR §120.62. Equal Opportunity Employer.