CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer SME

Lockheed Martin•Fort Worth, CO

1d•Remote

About The Position

The CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer is the technical person for evaluating, selecting, and developing external machining suppliers for complex CNC milling and turning operations (3‑ to 5‑axis). In addition to deep technical expertise, this role requires strong business acumen—the ability to translate capability data into strategic sourcing decisions that drive cost savings, revenue protection, and market competitiveness. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Quality, and Operations to evaluate machining capabilities, resolve technical issues, reduce cost and risk, and ensure suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and performance requirements. This position bridges the gap between engineering intent and supplier execution, providing hands-on machining expertise to support supplier selection, development, and ongoing performance. Supplier Technical Evaluation & Selection Lead technical assessments of machining suppliers, including: o CNC milling/turning (3–5 axis) o Complex tolerances & GD&T o Materials (aluminum, titanium, steel, Inconel, composites, etc.) Support RFQ/RFP reviews by: o Review drawings for machining types o Match suppliers to drawing requirements, quality requirements, volume and program needs o Manufacturability concerns o Process assumptions o Cycle times and cost drivers o Support PO Kickoffs and drawing reviews with the supplier Participate in source selection decisions as the machining technical authority Supplier Development & Performance Identify capability gaps in supplier machining processes and recommend corrective actions Support suppliers with: o Process improvements request that requires Lockheed attention Partner with Supplier Quality on: o Root cause analysis (RCCA) o Corrective action plans (CAPA) o First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness Cost, Risk & Manufacturability Drive cost reduction initiatives through: o Design for Manufacturability (DFM) o Alternate process recommendations o Alternate source recommendations o Make vs. buy analysis Assess and mitigate supply chain risk, including: o Single-source machining processes o Capacity constraints o Obsolete or specialized equipment dependencies Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as the machining SME between: o Engineering o Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing o Operations o Quality Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies impacting suppliers Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews Virtual Capability Centers Integrated Product Teams Continuous Improvement & Standards Help define and maintain: o Machining capability standards o Supplier technical requirements o Best-practice guidelines Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier machining operations Mentor sourcing and quality teams on machining fundamentals

Requirements

10+ years hands-on machining experience (shop floor, manufacturing engineering, or supplier technical role)
Deep expertise in CNC machining processes, Tooling, fixturing, and programming concepts, GD&T interpretation, Aerospace/defense materials and specifications
Experience supporting major aerospace or defense programs
Experience working directly with external machining suppliers
Strong understanding of Supplier audits and technical assessments, Cost drivers in machining, Production ramp-up and capacity planning
Strong technical communication skills — able to translate complex machining topics for non-technical audiences
Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving fact-based decisions
Able to influence without direct authority
Willing to travel to supplier sites (typically 25–50%)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Background in New product introduction (NPI), Make/buy strategy, Capability Center / COE models
Experience supporting digital manufacturing, advanced machining, or automation initiatives

Responsibilities

Lead technical assessments of machining suppliers
Support RFQ/RFP reviews
Participate in source selection decisions as the machining technical authority
Identify capability gaps in supplier machining processes and recommend corrective actions
Support suppliers with process improvements
Partner with Supplier Quality on root cause analysis (RCCA), corrective action plans (CAPA), and First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness
Drive cost reduction initiatives through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), alternate process recommendations, alternate source recommendations, and make vs. buy analysis
Assess and mitigate supply chain risk
Act as the machining SME between Engineering, Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing, Operations, and Quality
Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies impacting suppliers
Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews
Help define and maintain machining capability standards, supplier technical requirements, and best-practice guidelines
Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier machining operations
Mentor sourcing and quality teams on machining fundamentals