Senior Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Programmer

Combined Selection Group Ltd; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Combined Selection Group Ltd in California is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer specialized in CNC programming to develop and optimise machining processes for complex aerospace hardware, prototypes, tooling, and production components.

You will work with machinists, engineers, quality, planning, and suppliers to deliver high-quality, efficient manufacturing solutions and help expand the company's internal machine shop.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' manufacturing engineering experience
• Hands-on CNC machining and programming experience
• Multi-axis/5-axis machining experience
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise CNC machining processes and programs, including 5-axis work.
• Take components from design through prove-out to production.
• Select tools, fixtures, workholding, and machining strategies.
• Develop manufacturing plans, setup instructions, tool lists, and operator documentation.
• Troubleshoot machining issues: tool wear, vibration, dimensional variation, surface finish.
• Improve cycle times, tool life, quality, reliability, and machine utilisation.
• Support automation and minimally attended machining.
• Contribute to capacity, cost, scheduling, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Help build and expand the internal machine shop.

Skills

CNC programming

5-axis machining

Aluminium machining

Titanium alloys

GD&T

3D CAD models

Industrial CNC controls

Workholding design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Programmer
Location: California, USA
Work Arrangement: On-site
Travel: <5%**

About the Role

Join a high-performing engineering team developing advanced aerospace and technology hardware. You'll tackle challenging, complex components while helping establish and grow a world-class internal machining capability. This is a hands‑on opportunity to apply your expertise and directly shape the manufacturing processes behind the company's next generation of products. We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer specialising in CNC programming to develop and optimise machining processes for complex aerospace hardware, prototypes, tooling, and production components. You will work closely with machinists, engineers, quality, planning, and suppliers to deliver high-quality, efficient manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise CNC machining processes and programs, including complex 5-axis work.
• Take components from engineering design through prove‑out and production.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, workholding, and machining strategies.
• Develop manufacturing plans, setup instructions, tool lists, and operator documentation.
• Troubleshoot machining issues including tool wear, vibration, dimensional variation, and surface finish.
• Improve cycle times, tool life, quality, reliability, and machine utilisation.
• Support automation and minimally attended machining.
• Contribute to manufacturing capacity, cost, scheduling, and make‑versus‑buy decisions.
• Help build and expand the company's internal machine shop.

Required Experience

• 5+ years' relevant manufacturing engineering experience or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong hands‑on CNC machining and programming experience.
• Proven multi‑axis and 5‑axis machining experience.
• Experience machining aluminium and challenging materials such as titanium, stainless steel, or nickel alloys.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, 3D CAD models, and specifications.
• Experience with industrial CNC controls, tooling, fixturing, and workholding.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work effectively with machinists and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace, defence, space, or other highly regulated manufacturing.
• CNC turning or mill‑turn machines.
• Automated/minimally attended machining and machine probing.
• CAD/CAM and manufacturing planning software.
• Fixture and workholding design.
• Machining cost, cycle‑time, and capacity estimation.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 5-10 years' relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.

Working Environment

• On‑site in California
• Less than 5% travel
• Occasional overtime, weekend, or shift work
• Security clearance required

If you're an experienced CNC manufacturing engineer looking to work on complex aerospace hardware and advanced manufacturing challenges, we'd love to hear from you.