Project Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, and dental insurance

401k match

Holidays, vacation, and sick time

Job summary

Ingersoll Cutting Tools in Rockford, IL seeks a Project Engineer to lead the design of advanced tooling packages and turnkey manufacturing solutions. You will develop machining strategies, review 3D tool models and drawings, and manage large RFQs from inquiry to proposal submission.

Ideal candidates have 5–8+ years in application engineering or CNC programming, with strong GD&T knowledge and cross-functional leadership. Expect 10–20% national travel and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent with experience.
• 5–8+ years of progressive engineering experience in application engineering, CNC programming or high-precision manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and RFQ to final proposal submission.
• Strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and multi-axis CNC programming expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design of complex tooling packages and turnkey projects.
• Develop advanced machining strategies to maximize metal removal and optimize cycle times.
• Review and approve drawings and 3D tool models and process sheets.
• Manage large-scale RFQs from inquiry to technical proposal submission.
• Negotiate lead times, tolerances, and specs with internal and external teams.
• Present solutions to customer executives and engineering leaders.
• Travel nationally 10–20% (typically 1–3 days per month).

Skills

CNC programming

5-8+ years exp

Project management

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Cross-functional leadership

Machining strategies

Tooling design

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering degree

Machining Apprenticeship / Master CAM cert

Tools

Mastercam

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Ingersoll Cutting Tools is 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.

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 Cuttings 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.