Machining Applications and Technology Lead

Patriot Machine Inc•Saint Charles, MO

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Patriot Machine is seeking a Machining Applications and Technology Lead to support cutter planning, machining process development, testing, and the implementation of new manufacturing technology. This role serves as a bridge between NC Programming, Manufacturing Engineering, tooling, machining technology, and process development, aiming to reduce engineering time, enhance standardization, and increase first-run success. This is a working lead position where the individual will provide technical direction to machining applications support staff while also developing cutter plans, supporting process decisions, leading trials, reviewing data, and assisting in the implementation of new tooling and technology. The ideal candidate possesses strong knowledge of cutting tools, machining methods, cutter geometry, cutting conditions, process testing, and practical manufacturing application. While not a full-time CNC programming role, a solid understanding of CNC machining is essential to effectively support programmers, manufacturing engineers, machinists, vendors, and leadership.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of cutting tools, machining methods, cutter geometry, cutting conditions, process testing, and practical manufacturing application.
Understand CNC machining well enough to support programmers, manufacturing engineering, machinists, vendors, and leadership.
Experience in cutting tool applications, CNC machining process planning, manufacturing engineering, machining technology, or a similar technical role.
Experience similar to a cutting tool applications engineer is strongly preferred.
Experience leading technical projects, trials, process improvement efforts, or a small technical team is preferred.
Mid-level to senior candidates are preferred.
Applicant must be a U.S. Person.
Must be able to work with controlled technical data in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge in several of the following areas: Cutting tool selection, cutter geometry, and tooling application; Speeds, feeds, cutting conditions, and machining strategy; Tool holders, reach, stickout, rigidity, and clearance; Holemaking applications, including drilling, reaming, countersinking, thread milling, and related aerospace machining requirements; 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling concepts; High-speed machining, thin-wall machining, and large complex machined components; Aluminum and high-temp aerospace alloy machining concepts; CNC machining process planning; Reading and understanding drawings, models, and manufacturing requirements; Machine data analysis, production result review, and tooling trial comparison; Process testing, test planning, and documenting results; Working with programmers, Manufacturing Engineering, machinists, vendors, and leadership to define practical process direction; Documenting standards, recommendations, lessons learned, and training material.
Willing and able to use NX to review tool reach, clearance, and usability.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on Siemens NX programming experience is not required.
General NX CAM knowledge is helpful, but not required.
Experience with process modeling, simulation, cutting force analysis, vibration, or chatter is preferred, but candidates with the right machining background and willingness to learn will also be considered.
Degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop and support cutter plans for all new jobs routed through NC Programming.
Assist Manufacturing Engineering and NC Programming during initial job planning to help define tooling approach, machining strategy, and process direction.
Provide technical direction to machining applications support staff and help coordinate their work.
Support NC programmers with cutter selection, holder selection, reach review, cutting parameters, and machining process decisions.
Review tooling approaches for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling, including high-speed machining, thin-wall parts, large complex aerospace parts, and advanced holemaking.
Use Siemens NX to review tool reach, clearance, and general usability of selected tools.
Analyze machine data, production results, tooling trial results, and process performance to support recommendations.
Lead tooling, process, and technology testing projects, including test plans, trial support, results tracking, and final recommendations.
Evaluate, recommend, and help implement cutting tools, advanced machining techniques, software, equipment, or technology that improves manufacturing capability.
Build technical justification and purchase proposals for new tooling, software, equipment, or technology.
Work with cutting tool vendors and internal teams to review new tooling options, support trials, compare results, and build internal recommendations.
Create cutter plans, process notes, lessons learned, training material, test summaries, and standard work documents.
Present tooling, process, testing, and technology recommendations to programmers, Manufacturing Engineering, shop leadership, and other internal teams.