Senior Engineering Technician

PDS Tech Commercial; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401K plan

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial seeks a Sr Engineering Technician to support prototype, development, and production machining. This hands-on role combines machining expertise with programming, troubleshooting, and precision inspection in a technically advanced environment.

You will set up and operate manual and CNC mills and lathes, develop machining instructions from CAD drawings, and collaborate with engineering teams to optimize processes and ensure dimensional accuracy.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 4–6 years of machining or manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience as a Machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with manual machining and CNC centers.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications.
• Experience performing precision inspections with metrology tools.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes and mills.
• Independently program and operate CNC machining centers.
• Select tooling, establish machining strategies, and validate setups.
• Create, modify, and maintain fixturing for prototype and development projects.
• Develop machining instructions and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot machining operations and adjust speeds, feeds, tooling, and workholding.
• Inspect components with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other metrology tools.
• Document work performed and maintain machining records.
• Communicate issues and improvements to engineering teams.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Skills

Manual machining

CNC machining

Mills & Lathe"

Blueprint reading

CNC programming

Metrology

Troubleshooting

Process improvement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC machining centers

Milling machines

Lathe machines

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Machine Precision Components That Drive Innovation as a Sr Engineering Technician!

Pay Rate: $40 - $45 an hour

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly skilled Sr Engineering Technician to support prototype, development, and production machining operations. This role combines hands‑on machining expertise with process improvement, CNC programming, troubleshooting, and precision inspection responsibilities.

If you're experienced with both manual and CNC machining, enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges, and take pride in producing high-quality components, this is an outstanding opportunity to work in a technically advanced manufacturing environment.

Key Skills Required

• Strong Manual and CNC Machining Experience
• Experience with Mills, Lathes, and Machine Shop Equipment
• Blueprint and Technical Drawing Interpretation
• CNC Programming and Setup
• Precision Inspection and Metrology
• Troubleshooting and Process Optimization

What You'll Do

Manual & CNC Machining

• Set up and operate:
• Manual lathes
• Mills
• Drill presses
• Other machine shop equipment
• Independently set up, program, and operate CNC machining centers.
• Select tooling, establish machining strategies, and validate setups.
• Create, modify, and maintain fixturing for prototype and development projects.

Programming & Technical Execution

• Generate CNC programs using:
• CAD models
• Engineering drawings
• Sketches
• Technical specifications
• Develop machining instructions and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot machining operations and make adjustments to:
• Speeds
• Feeds
• Tooling
• Workholding methods
• Support prototype development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality & Inspection

• Inspect components using:
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Height gauges
• Precision measurement equipment
• Verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Maintain detailed inspection and machining records.
• Communicate issues, recommendations, and process improvements to engineering teams.

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Support

• Analyze machining methods, processes, and cycle times to improve efficiency.
• Support manufacturing process development and optimization.
• Establish and maintain machining best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other machinists and team members when needed.

Safety & Documentation

• Follow all shop safety procedures and quality requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Document work performed and maintain machining records.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 4-6 years of machining or manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience as a Machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with:
• Manual machining equipment
• CNC machining centers
• Tooling selection
• Workholding methods
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Blueprints
• Engineering drawings
• Specifications
• Strong understanding of machining processes and manufacturing methods.
• Experience performing precision inspections using metrology tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAD/CAM programming experience.
• Prototype or R&D machining experience.
• Experience creating fixtures and machining solutions for complex parts.
• Experience optimizing cycle times and manufacturing processes.
• Leadership or mentoring experience in a machine shop environment.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Manual and CNC machining expertise
• Blueprint reading proficiency
• CAD/CAM and CNC programming experience
• Precision measurement and inspection skills
• Strong troubleshooting abilities
• Process improvement mindset
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship

Why Join Us?

• $40.00 - $45.00/hr pay rate
• Opportunity to work on complex prototype and development projects
• Hands‑on role utilizing advanced machining technologies
• High visibility with engineering and product development teams
• Opportunity to influence manufacturing processes and efficiency improvements
• Collaborative environment focused on innovation and technical excellence
• Career growth opportunities within advanced manufacturing and engineering support

Apply Today!

If you have experience in manual machining, CNC programming, mills, lathes, blueprint reading, fixture design, precision inspection, and manufacturing process improvement , we'd love to hear from you.

Join PDS Tech Commercial as an Advanced Machinist / Manufacturing Process Specialist and help transform engineering ideas into precision‑built reality.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $40.00 to $45.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.