Fabrication & Manufacturing Engineer

Forgent•Hanover, MD

3d•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.
Ability to analyze data to optimize production processes and solve bottlenecks.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems and understanding fabrication manufacturing (e.g., machining, welding, sheet metal).
Strong interpersonal skills for coordinating with various departments.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
High accuracy in scheduling and inventory record maintenance.
Capacity to respond quickly to changing priorities, delays, or emergency orders.

Responsibilities

Review 3D models from SolidWorks and 2D layouts from AutoCAD to ensure parts can actually be fabricated.
Use CAM software to write precise G-code programs and optimize nesting layouts to maximize sheet and copper coil utilization.
Ensure that obsolete program files are deleted from the machine controllers and that operators only load the current, engineering-approved file revisions.
Calculate correct K-factors and bend deductions for the press brakes based on specific material thicknesses.
Coordinate the flow of raw materials to the machines, ensuring machine operators always have a backlog of optimized files and material ready to run.
Oversee the scheduling and program accuracy for automated systems, ensuring complex panel bending runs seamlessly.
Create processes for operators to physically measure and audit the very first part that comes off the laser, punch, or brake against the master blueprint.
Serve as the immediate responder when an operator encounters a machine error, a tooling collision, or material fracturing during a bend, fixing the program right at the controller to minimize downtime.
Design custom physical templates, clamps, and jigs to speed up downstream manual workflows like welding and final switchgear assembly.
Work with Manufacture Engineering Team to write clear, highly visual work instructions for setting up machines.