Machining Engineer

Ichor•Sauk Rapids, MN

10d

About The Position

The Machining Engineer is responsible for driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and manufacturing efficiency across machining and production operations. This role will focus on improving manufacturing processes, production flow, equipment utilization, quality, cost, and throughput while identifying opportunities for automation and improved manufacturing methods. The ideal candidate has a strong background in manual and CNC processes combined with enough hands-on experience to effectively understand, troubleshoot, and improve machining operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with a strong industrial or manufacturing focus.
5–10 years of engineering experience in mechanical, industrial, systems, or manufacturing engineering within an industrial or production environment. Systems Engineering experience should include a strong industrial/manufacturing background.
Demonstrated experience leading process improvement and manufacturing optimization projects within a production environment.
Working knowledge and hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining processes.
Experience with production line or manufacturing cell design and optimization, including identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical improvements.
Experience designing fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing aids.
Experience using CAD software for equipment, tooling, fixture, or manufacturing layout development.
Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify root causes, and translate findings into practical process improvements.
Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, engineering drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and production systems.
Demonstrated ability to independently lead improvement projects from concept through implementation.
Effective communication and collaboration skills with operators, machinists, technicians, engineers, and leadership.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SolidWorks and/or Mastercam.
Experience with manufacturing automation, robotics, machine tending, automated inspection, or equipment integration.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with CNC programming.
Experience with capacity analysis, time studies, value-stream mapping, manufacturing simulation, or manufacturing economics.
Experience supporting capital equipment projects, production line launches, or manufacturing technology implementation.

Responsibilities

Lead process improvement and optimization initiatives across machining and manufacturing operations.
Analyze existing processes to identify opportunities to improve cycle time, throughput, quality, cost, capacity, ergonomics, and equipment utilization.
Develop and implement improved manufacturing methods, workflows, and process sequences.
Design and optimize production lines, manufacturing cells, and workstation layouts to improve flow and eliminate waste.
Identify manufacturing constraints and bottlenecks and develop solutions to increase production capacity.
Evaluate and implement automation and semi-automation opportunities, including robotics, machine tending, material handling, inspection, and other manufacturing technologies.
Design fixtures, tooling, workholding, and manufacturing aids to improve process capability, repeatability, productivity, and ergonomics.
Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, variation, defects, and non-value-added activity.
Use data, time studies, process metrics, and root-cause analysis to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
Lead projects from initial problem definition through solution development, implementation, validation, and sustainment.
Support new equipment selection, manufacturing technology evaluation, equipment installation, and process qualification.
Partner with machinists, technicians, operations, quality, and engineering teams to develop practical and sustainable process improvements.
Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, manufacturing instructions, and other production standards.
Support machining process development and optimization, including tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and CNC programs when required.