Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Precision Machining)

Direct Recruiters; LaSalle (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Recruiters is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for a CNC machining-focused operation. The role demands hands-on process and programming expertise, leading continuous improvement while ensuring safe, cost-effective production.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing with CNC emphasis, strong GD&T skills, and experience collaborating across Sales, Engineering, and Production to meet aggressive timelines and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in a manufacturing environment with strong CNC machining emphasis.
• Extensive CNC programming, operations, and process optimization experience.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and data interpretation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement across machining operations.
• Apply CNC knowledge to assess requirements and develop efficient manufacturing solutions.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001:2015 quality standards.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Production to align project requirements.
• Analyze production data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Provide guidance on CNC capabilities, process optimization, and tooling.
• Support new product introductions (NPI).
• Identify cost-saving process improvements in CNC machining.
• Evaluate new equipment and technologies; stay updated on industry trends.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process docs, and SOPs.

Skills

CNC programming

Process optimization

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly driven, skilled, and hands‑on Senior Manufacturing Engineer with a proven record of developing, optimizing, and implementing creative manufacturing solutions within a production CNC machining company. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality, and cost‑effective production operations.

The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on process and programming experience, outstanding problem‑solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement. This individual must be able to collaborate cross‑functionally while helping lead operational excellence initiatives.

Experience within Aerospace & Defense manufacturing, in addition to commercial markets, is highly desired.

About the Company

We operate numerous CNC horizontal machining centers ranging in size from 500mm to 1000mm. We also operate several CNC turning centers, 550 floor machine FMS systems.

We are committed to establishing and maintaining competitive pricing, high quality standards (AS9100 / ISO 9001:2015) and on‑time delivery in a fast paced, team‑oriented environment.

Our company requires our teammates to adhere to our core values of:

Integrity

Respect

Teamwork

Commitment to Excellence

Passion

Key Responsibilities

Lead continuous improvement efforts across machining operations.

Utilize in-depth knowledge of CNC machining processes, equipment, and programming to assess project requirements and develop efficient manufacturing solutions.

Ensure compliance with quality standards (AS9100 / ISO 9001:2015).

Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Sales, Engineering, and Production to gather necessary data and ensure alignment on project requirements.

Analyze production data for improvement opportunities.

Provide technical expertise and guidance on CNC machining capabilities, process optimization, and tooling selection to enhance competitiveness and efficiency.

Support new product introductions (NPI).

Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings in CNC machining operations to optimize profitability and competitiveness.

Evaluate new equipment and technologies.

Stay informed about advancements in CNC machining technology, industry trends, and market dynamics to drive innovation and competitiveness.

Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).

Minimum of 10 years of experience within a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on CNC machining.

Extensive knowledge and hands‑on experience with CNC programming, operations, and process optimization.

Strong blueprint reading and GD&T skills.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Strong understanding of process optimization.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and interact with production teammates.

Must have the drive and ambition to learn and grow within the company.

Ability to use Microsoft Office and navigate ERP systems.

Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Results‑driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation in CNC machining processes.

Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and take on new challenges as needed.

Key Competencies

• Highly Driven and results oriented
• Strong collaboration skills and analytical skills
• Hands‑on troubleshooting ability
• Ability to successfully multi-task

Why This Opportunity

• Work with major OEM’s
• Value based and growth-oriented, lean-focused organization
• Direct impact on production efficiency, quality, delivery and cost
• Collaborative, high‑performance culture