Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

VDL USA Holding Inc; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VDL USA Holding Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Machining to serve as the technical expert for CNC milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and secondary machining operations.

You will lead machining projects across the product lifecycle, applying DfM to improve manufacturability, cost, and productivity. You will collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Planning to ensure customer requirements are met through safe and repeatable manufacturing processes, including tooling,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related engineering field.
• Minimum five years developing and optimizing machining applications.
• Proficient with CAM software (Mastercam or equivalent).
• Experience reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Ability to lead cost reduction and continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for CNC milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and secondary operations.
• Lead NPI review, production launch, and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply DfM to improve machinability and reduce cost.
• Develop tooling, fixturing, and process strategies with cross-functional teams.
• Support qualification activities, first article inspections, and process validation.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining issues.

Skills

CNC machining

DfM

NPI

Process optimization

GD&T

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Siemens/Fanuc controls

Job description

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer - Machining serves as the technical subject matter expert for CNC machining and precision manufacturing processes. This position is responsible for leading machining projects throughout the entire product lifecycle, from quotation review and New Product Introduction (NPI) through production launch and continuous improvement. The role applies Design for Manufacturability (DfM) principles to improve machinability, optimize production methods, develop tooling and fixturing solutions, and drive improvements in quality, productivity, and cost. The Manufacturing Engineer - Machining partners closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Project Management, and Planning to ensure customer requirements are achieved through safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the machining subject matter expert for CNC milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and secondary machining operations.
• Work with the NPI team to evaluate new projects and establish manufacturing requirements and process strategies.
• Review customer technical product documentation (TPD), engineering drawings, specifications, and tolerances to determine manufacturing requirements.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DfM) principles to improve machinability, reduce cost, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Evaluate material properties and machining characteristics to determine optimal manufacturing methods.
• Develop and optimize machining processes, tooling selections, cutting parameters, and work-holding solutions.
• Design and implement fixtures, jigs, tooling, gauges, and other manufacturing aids required to support production.
• Collaborate with programmers and machine operators to improve setup efficiency, cycle times, tool life, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Support prototype builds, process validation activities, and production readiness reviews.
• Investigate machining defects, dimensional nonconformances, and production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct root cause analysis and develop sustainable solutions to improve process capability and product quality.
• Work with Quality to support first article inspections, capability studies, inspection planning, and validation activities.
• Establish manufacturing standards, work instructions, setup documentation, and process controls.
• Support implementation and optimization of CNC equipment, cutting tools, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies.
• Work with project teams to develop machining cost estimates and support cost-reduction initiatives.
• Develop best practices, standardized processes, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and product quality.
• Collaborate with Project Management regarding changes in project scope, schedules, manufacturing requirements, and associated costs.
• Identify Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs for new projects and evaluate tooling, fixture, equipment, and process requirements for prototype and production builds.
• Assess and justify OPEX and CAPEX investments related to machining equipment, tooling, and manufacturing improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle times, setup times, scrap, rework, and manufacturing waste.
• Support automation, robotics, machine monitoring, and Industry 4.0 initiatives as business needs evolve.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, quality management system requirements, and company safety policies.

Key Competencies

• CNC machining and manufacturing processes
• Precision machining of stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and engineered materials
• Tooling selection and optimization
• Fixture and work-holding design
• GD&T interpretation and tolerance analysis
• Manufacturing process development and validation
• Root cause analysis and corrective action
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Cost estimation and project support
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience developing and optimizing machining applications and manufacturing processes.
• Proficient with CAM software, including Mastercam or equivalent CNC programming software.
• Experience developing CNC programs, machining strategies, and production process improvements.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and metal cutting principles.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience validating CNC programs through machine prove-outs and supporting production startup activities.
• Experience troubleshooting machining, tooling, dimensional, and production-related issues.
• Knowledge of fixture design, tooling design, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Familiarity with DMG Mori, Nakamura, Doosan, MultiCam Router, Victor Milling Machines, or equivalent CNC equipment.
• Familiarity with Siemens and Fanuc control systems.
• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Project Management teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives that improve quality, productivity, and cost performance.