Fabrication & Manufacturing Engineer

PwrQ Holdings LLC•Hanover, MD

3d•$100,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Fabrication & Manufacturing Engineer serves as the critical, hands-on link between the design engineering department and the fabrication shop floor. This role is directly responsible for ensuring all engineering drawings and CAD models are audited for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) before production begins. This individual manages the creation, verification, and deployment of precise CNC machine files, directly supervises production floor workflows, and optimizes machine scheduling to ensure custom switchgear projects move seamlessly through the production plan on time and under budget.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical field / equivalent extensive shop floor programming experience)
3–5+ years of hands-on experience in a precision sheet metal or electrical switchgear fabrication facility.
Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks), 2D CAD (AutoCAD), and industrial CAM nesting software.
Deep practical knowledge of laser cutting, copper punching (Boschert/AMADA), panel bending/folding, press brake operation, K-factors/bend deductions, and metallurgy.
Absolute mastery of reading complex geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) drawings, multi-layered assembly schematics, and weld symbols.
Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze data to optimize production processes and solve bottlenecks.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems and understanding fabrication manufacturing (e.g., machining, welding, sheet metal).
Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for coordinating with various departments.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Attention to Detail: High accuracy in scheduling and inventory record maintenance.
Adaptability: Capacity to respond quickly to changing priorities, delays, or emergency orders.

Responsibilities

Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Audits: Review 3D models from SolidWorks and 2D layouts from AutoCAD to ensure parts can actually be fabricated, looking for impossible bend radiuses, holes placed too close to bend lines, or geometries that exceed machine physical limits.
Perform CNC Programming & Nesting: Use CAM software to write precise G-code programs and optimize nesting layouts to maximize sheet and copper coil utilization, aiming for minimal material scrap.
Manage Revision & Version Control: Ensure the digital transfer of files is secure, deleting obsolete program files from machine controllers and verifying operators use current, engineering-approved file revisions.
Specify Tooling: Calculate correct K-factors and bend deductions for press brakes based on specific material thicknesses to ensure parts fold to exact dimensions.
Manage Daily Production Scheduling: Coordinate the flow of raw materials to machines, ensuring operators have a backlog of optimized files and material ready to run to prevent machine idle time.
Oversee Automation Management: Schedule and ensure program accuracy for automated systems, including complex panel bending, to run seamlessly without mechanical jamming or software conflicts.
Conduct First-Piece Setup Inspections: Create processes for operators to physically measure and audit the first part off the laser, punch, or brake against the master blueprint, giving the 'green light' before batch production.
Perform Live Floor Troubleshooting: Respond immediately to operator-encountered machine errors, tooling collisions, or material fracturing during a bend, fixing programs at the controller to minimize downtime.
Design Jig and Fixture: Design custom physical templates, clamps, and jigs to expedite downstream manual workflows like welding and final switchgear assembly.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Collaborate with the Manufacture Engineering Team to write clear, visual work instructions for machine setup to ensure consistent operator quality.