Manufacturing Technician Traditional CNC

Kensington Consulting Ltd; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Kensington Consulting Ltd in Richmond, VA is seeking an Manufacturing Technician to support traditional CNC machining, fabrication, and CAD/CAM programming for fast‑turn customer projects and new product introductions. The role emphasizes tooling development, process improvement, and hands‑on production support in a high‑mix environment.

The ideal candidate will have SolidWorks proficiency, CAD/CAM experience, and strong troubleshooting skills, along with safety and quality mindset for

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling and drawing creation).
• Experience with CAD/CAM programming.
• Strong hands‑on experience with manual and CNC milling machines.
• Experience operating a manual lathe.
• Skilled in TIG and MIG welding.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual, hybrid and CNC milling machines for tooling and component fabrication.
• Operate manual lathe equipment for precision part production and repair.
• Perform TIG and MIG welding for tooling, fixtures, frames, and equipment modifications.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair production tooling, fixtures, and machine components.
• Support prototype builds and short‑run production projects.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks.
• Generate and optimize toolpaths using CAM software.
• Interpret customer prints, GD&T, and engineering specifications.
• Support design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) improvements.
• Maintain accurate revision control and documentation for customer‑driven projects.
• Assist in the design and development of production tooling and fixtures.
• Apply tooling design best practices including repeatability, rigidity, and ease of use.
• Incorporate error‑proofing (poka‑yoke) concepts into tooling designs.
• Support automation‑ready tooling concepts including sensor integration and I/O considerations.
• Evaluate tooling performance and recommend improvements to improve OEE and throughput.
• Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, and process issues.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to production teams.
• Drive improvements in setup reduction, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency.
• Support preventative maintenance and equipment reliability efforts.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T interpretation

Troubleshooting

Multi-priority management

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Engineering Technology or equivalent experience

Tools

CAM software

Job description

Manufacturing Technician Traditional CNC

Position Summary

The Engineering Technician supports Contract Manufacturing operations by providing hands‑on technical expertise in machining, fabrication, CAD/CAM programming, and tooling development. This role is critical in supporting fast-turn customer projects, new product introductions (NPI), and ongoing production optimization.

Working in a dynamic, high-mix/low-to-mid volume environment, this individual must be self‑motivated, adaptable, and capable of converting customer drawings and engineering concepts into production‑ready tooling and components. The Engineering Technician plays a key role in improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance through practical problem‑solving and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Machining & Fabrication Support

• Set up and operate manual, hybrid and CNC milling machines for tooling and component fabrication
• Operate manual lathe equipment for precision part production and repair
• Perform TIG and MIG welding for tooling, fixtures, frames, and equipment modifications
• Fabricate, modify, and repair production tooling, fixtures, and machine components
• Support prototype builds and short‑run production projects
• Maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards

CAD/CAM & Design Support

• Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks
• Generate and optimize toolpaths using CAM software
• Interpret customer prints, GD&T, and engineering specifications
• Support design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) improvements
• Maintain accurate revision control and documentation for customer‑driven projects

Tooling & Process Development

• Assist in the design and development of production tooling and fixtures
• Apply tooling design best practices including repeatability, rigidity, and ease of use
• Incorporate error‑proofing (poka‑yoke) concepts into tooling designs
• Support automation‑ready tooling concepts including sensor integration and I/O considerations
• Evaluate tooling performance and recommend improvements to improve OEE and throughput

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Provide hands‑on technical support to production teams
• Drive improvements in setup reduction, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency
• Support preventative maintenance and equipment reliability efforts

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling and drawing creation)
• Experience with CAD/CAM programming
• Strong hands‑on experience with manual and CNC milling machines
• Experience operating a manual lathe
• Skilled in TIG and MIG welding
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred

• Experience in a high‑mix contract manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting NPI and customer‑driven projects

Core Competencies

• Ownership and urgency in supporting customer commitments
• Strong problem‑solving mindset
• Cross‑functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Engineering
• Attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Continuous improvement orientation
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment