Project Engineer

Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k match

Paid time off

Job summary

Ingersoll Cutting Tools in Rockford, Illinois, is seeking a Project Engineer to lead complex tooling package designs and turnkey manufacturing processes. You will manage high-value RFQs from inquiry through proposal, coordinating with supply chain, production, and customers on technical and commercial feasibility.

The role requires 5–8+ years in engineering settings, a mechanical/manufacturing background, and strong GD&T, CNC programming, and cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience in application engineering, CNC programming, or high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Equivalent pathways with long-term CNC programming and leadership experience considered in lieu of a 4-year degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design of complex tooling packages and turnkey projects.
• Develop machining strategies to maximize metal removal and optimize cycle times.
• Review engineering drawings, 3D tool models, and process sheets for quality and accuracy.
• Manage large RFQs from initial inquiry to final technical proposal submission.
• Negotiate lead times, tolerances, and specifications with cross-functional teams.
• Evaluate machine tool constraints against requested tolerances to mitigate risk.
• Present complex technical solutions to customer executives and leaders.
• Travel 10%–20% nationally, typically 1–3 days per month.

Skills

Engineering experience

CNC programming

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Financial modeling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

Ingersoll Cutting Toolsis one of the world’s leading suppliers of metal cutting tooling systems and an integral member of the IMC Group of Companies, a distinguished corporate holding of Berkshire Hathaway, with over 130 subsidiaries in 60 countries around the world. Ingersoll’s US operations are housed on our state-of-the-art manufacturing and marketing campus in Rockford, Illinois. We are currently accepting applications for a Project Engineer

Essential job duties and Responsibilities include:

• Lead the engineering design of highly complex, high-value custom tooling packages, including complex multi-functional tools, specialized indexable systems, and complete line-tooling projects.
• Develop advanced machining strategies and turnkey manufacturing processes for challenging materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, hardened steels) to maximize metal removal rates and optimize cycle times.
• Serve as the final technical reviewer and approving authority for engineering drawings, 3D tool models, process sheets, and calculations generated by junior proposal engineers.
• Manage large-scale, high-risk automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment capital RFQs, acting as the primary project manager from initial inquiry to final technical proposal submission.
• Negotiate manufacturing lead times, tolerances, and technical specifications cross-functionally with supply chain, production management, and external suppliers to secure bid feasibility.
• Mitigate technical and commercial risk by evaluating machine tool constraints (spindle capability, fixture rigidity, torque limits) against requested part tolerances.
• Present complex technical solutions directly to customer executives and engineering leaders, confidently defending proposed machining strategies and commercial viability.
• Expect 10% to 20% national travel (typically averaging 1 to 3 days a month on the road).

Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience: 5 to 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in application engineering, CNC programming, or high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Degree Baseline: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Equivalent Shop Pathway: A combination of a technical Associate's degree, a completed Machining Apprenticeship, or Master CAM certifications, plus 10+ years of expert-level multi-axis CNC programming and shop floor leadership will be highly considered in lieu of a 4-year degree.

Relevant experience in one or more of the following areas:

• CNC machine setup and operation
• Process planning in a machining environment
• Quality control and inspection of machined components
• CNC machine programming
• Product/Project management in an industrial setting
• Deep technical expertise in advanced metal-cutting concepts, including chip formation physics, specialized tool geometries, substrate selection, and advanced PVD/CVD coating technologies.
• Extensive experience developing machining strategies and calculating cutting parameters for challenging materials (e.g., Titanium, Inconel, Compacted Graphite Iron, hardened tool steels).
• Expert-level mastery of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5) to assess machine capability and component tolerances.
• Strong understanding of machine tool architectures, spindle interfaces (e.g., HSK, CAT, Capto), torque/horsepower curves, and fixture rigidity constraints.
• Strong capability in financial modeling, including calculating guaranteed Cost-Per-Part (CPP), tool consumption matrices, and clear Return on Investment (ROI) metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams (sales, design, production, supply chain) from RFQ receipt through final shop floor implementation. Project management certifications are a plus.
• Skilled in evaluating and mitigating technical risks associated with tool deflection, vibration/chatter, and cycle time guarantees.
• Exceptional communication skills with a proven track record of presenting complex technical solutions to customer executives, plant managers, and procurement leaders.
• Experience training, auditing, and developing junior or entry-level application and proposal engineers.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work well independently, as well as with others, in a team environment. Candidates should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, possess a good work ethic, demonstrate reliable and punctual work habits, demonstrate safety consciousness, and always conduct themselves in a professional manner.

The Salary range for this position is $ $70-85K

Why our people love working for Ingersoll Cutting Tools:

• Ingersoll Cutting Tools offers a strong benefits package including affordable and robust health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
• Our employees also benefit from an excellent 401k match, wellness reimbursement policy, as well as holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Ingersoll Cutting Tools often promote from within, offering employees the chance to grow their skill set and experience.
• What we pride ourselves most on is our culture – you can expect to find a collaborative, friendly, and inclusive environment here.