Manufacturing Engineer

Prince Industries LLC • Carol Stream, IL

20d • $35 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The CNC Manufacturing Programmer / Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes for precision aerospace components. This role ensures programs, tooling, and manufacturing methods meet aerospace quality and tolerance requirements while driving operational efficiency, repeatability, and cost reduction. The individual partners with production, quality, and operations to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions that support on-time, high-quality production. Prince Industries, founded in 1959, is a global manufacturing partner with seven facilities across the U.S. and China, serving industries from hydraulics to aerospace. They are certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards.

Requirements

• 3–7+ years of CNC programming or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in aerospace machining.
• Proficiency in CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam preferred or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and aerospace documentation practices.
• Experience machining tight-tolerance components (±0.0005” typical) and complex 3D surfaces.
• Understanding of machining dynamics, tool selection, chip loads, and metal cutting theory.
• Hands-on experience with CNC mills and lathes for troubleshooting and program optimization.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, and aerospace customer requirements.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately in noisy environments.
• Must also have close, distance, and peripheral vision, with the ability to adjust focus and judge depth. Color vision is required as well.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Background with ERP/MRP systems (E2/JobBOSS, Epicor, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for lathes, mill-turn, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mill equipment using industry-standard CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360).
• Create detailed machining processes, toolpaths, and cutting strategies tailored for aerospace alloys (e.g., Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum).
• Conduct simulation, verification, and prove-outs to ensure safe and efficient machine operation.
• Establish machining parameters, feeds/speeds, work holding setups, and tooling selections using best-practice principles.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including setup sheets, fixture drawings, and work instructions.
• Lead process improvements focused on cycle time reduction, tool life extension, and quality enhancement.
• Support new parts and ensure manufacturability of customer designs.
• Design or specify custom fixtures, tooling, and work holding to support complex aerospace geometries.
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve non-conformances and drive root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D).
• Support machinists during setups, first-article inspections, and program prove-outs.
• Participate in MRB and continuous improvement to address production challenges.
• Train operators and setup personnel on new processes, tooling, and programming methods.
• Ensure all machining processes comply with AS9100, customer specifications, and aerospace drawing requirements.
• Maintain revision-controlled documents and ensure alignment between programming data, job travelers, and quality records.
• Embrace and integrate 5S, lean manufacturing, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) initiatives.

Benefits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance (PPO and HDHP with HSA) w/ Prescription Coverage.
• Dental PPO Insurance
• Vision PPO Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance and AD & D – Including options to add on additional life insurance for yourself, spouse & children.
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Fidelity Plan with strong employer match
• Personal Retirement Advisor
• Generous PTO Policy and 9 Paid Holidays per year
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement for Job-Related Classes
• Personal Protective Equipment reimbursement (safety glasses, shoes, etc.)
• Uniform Rental Service
• Employee Events
• $5,000 Sign on bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree