Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

VDL USA Holding Inc•Flowery Branch, GA

20h

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer - Machining serves as the technical subject matter expert for CNC machining and precision manufacturing processes. The role leads machining projects across the product lifecycle, from quotation review and New Product Introduction (NPI) through production launch and continuous improvement. It applies Design for Manufacturability (DfM) principles to improve machinability, optimize production methods, develop tooling and fixturing solutions, and improve quality, productivity, and cost. The engineer partners with Engineering, Production, Quality, Project Management, and Planning to meet customer requirements through safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing processes. The position develops, validates, and optimizes machining processes, supports prototypes and production readiness, resolves machining and dimensional issues, and establishes manufacturing standards and process controls. It also supports cost estimation, NRE identification, capital and operating investment assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives involving machining equipment, tooling, automation, and manufacturing technologies.

Requirements

Minimum five (5) years of experience developing and optimizing machining applications and manufacturing processes.
Proficient with CAM software, including Mastercam or equivalent CNC programming software.
Experience developing CNC programs, machining strategies, and production process improvements.
Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and metal cutting principles.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and technical documentation.
Experience validating CNC programs through machine prove-outs and supporting production startup activities.
Experience troubleshooting machining, tooling, dimensional, and production-related issues.
Knowledge of fixture design, tooling design, and manufacturing process optimization.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Project Management teams.
Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives that improve quality, productivity, and cost performance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent experience.
Familiarity with DMG Mori, Nakamura, Doosan, MultiCam Router, Victor Milling Machines, or equivalent CNC equipment.
Familiarity with Siemens and Fanuc control systems.
Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience supporting semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, or precision manufacturing industries.
Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as the machining subject matter expert for CNC milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and secondary machining operations.
Work with the NPI team to evaluate new projects and establish manufacturing requirements and process strategies.
Review customer technical product documentation (TPD), engineering drawings, specifications, and tolerances to determine manufacturing requirements.
Apply Design for Manufacturability (DfM) principles to improve machinability, reduce cost, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
Evaluate material properties and machining characteristics to determine optimal manufacturing methods.
Develop and optimize machining processes, tooling selections, cutting parameters, and work-holding solutions.
Design and implement fixtures, jigs, tooling, gauges, and other manufacturing aids required to support production.
Collaborate with programmers and machine operators to improve setup efficiency, cycle times, tool life, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Support prototype builds, process validation activities, and production readiness reviews.
Investigate machining defects, dimensional nonconformances, and production issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Conduct root cause analysis and develop sustainable solutions to improve process capability and product quality.
Work with Quality to support first article inspections, capability studies, inspection planning, and validation activities.
Establish manufacturing standards, work instructions, setup documentation, and process controls.
Support implementation and optimization of CNC equipment, cutting tools, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies.
Work with project teams to develop machining cost estimates and support cost-reduction initiatives.
Develop best practices, standardized processes, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and product quality.
Collaborate with Project Management regarding changes in project scope, schedules, manufacturing requirements, and associated costs.
Identify Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs for new projects and evaluate tooling, fixture, equipment, and process requirements for prototype and production builds.
Assess and justify OPEX and CAPEX investments related to machining equipment, tooling, and manufacturing improvements.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle times, setup times, scrap, rework, and manufacturing waste.
Support automation, robotics, machine monitoring, and Industry 4.0 initiatives as business needs evolve.
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, quality management system requirements, and company safety policies.