BIRDWA87611 - Mfg Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Defense•Walpole, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Fairbanks Morse Defense is a leading marine defense contractor and the single-source supplier of complex propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy. We manufacture precision components for various ship classes, including surface combatants and cutters. This role is central to building a fully digital manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up. You will be responsible for the development of fully associative CNC programs within an integrated Siemens NX CAM / Teamcenter PLM environment, creating the digital thread from model to machine. This is a building role, focused on shaping workflows and standards for the shop floor, rather than maintenance.

Requirements

Proficiency or demonstrated aptitude with Siemens NX CAM, including fully associative programming linked to managed CAD data, or ability to learn rapidly.
VERICUT digital simulation experience, or ability to learn rapidly.
Experience or strong foundational knowledge of Siemens 840D controls.
Working knowledge of Teamcenter PLM, or ability to learn rapidly. Rich Client and AWC experience preferred.
Exposure to Renishaw and/or Siemens on-machine probing.
GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5 applied to machining process development.
Strong technical writing ability.
U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for DoD confidential clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology or related discipline — internship/co-op experience strongly valued.
OR 80+ credits toward an engineering bachelor’s with at least 2 relevant engineering internships/co-ops.
OR Associate’s degree in technical discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience.
OR No degree with 6+ years of progressive Manufacturing Engineering and CNC programming experience demonstrating equivalent technical depth and breadth.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ownership of CNC programming systems or digital manufacturing infrastructure, not just use of them.
NX Post Configurator exposure or advanced post processor customization.
PLM or Teamcenter configuration experience — MRL buildout, AWC workflow development, classification, importing validated native tools and design/manufacturing definition.
Scripting or automation experience.
Track record of mentoring or leading technical staff.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or naval propulsion manufacturing with mature PLM-integrated programming workflows.
Experience working within structured master model methodologies utilizing stage models, manufacturing method assemblies, or similar disciplined CAD/CAM data architecture approaches.
NX Simulation CSE proficiency for in-process stock verification.
Lights-out machining post processor development and safety logic.
Third Wave Systems or similar physics-based machining simulation.
Tap testing and modal analysis for machine tool dynamic characterization.
Ball Bar / Machine Kinematic Testing Experience.
ISO 9001 familiarity.
CMM programming (Zeiss Calypso, PolyWorks, or similar).
Laser Scanning / Tracking Experience.
6-Axis Fanuc Arm Experience with Fanuc Roboguide Software.

Responsibilities

Develop, prove out, and maintain fully associative NX CAM programs for 3- through 5-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn operations on Siemens 840D-controlled machines.
Create complex drive geometries, auxiliary surfaces, and containment boundaries using advanced NX curve and surface techniques for propulsion components with compound curvature.
Validate toolpaths through NX CSE and VERICUT prior to machine prove-out, including gouge detection, collision checking, and full-environment machine simulation.
Program Renishaw and Siemens on-machine probing cycles for automated setup, in-process verification, and offset management.
Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot highly customized lights-out post processors for unattended machining across multiple machine configurations.
Follow and contribute to the company’s proprietary Master Model Concept, working within structured stage models and manufacturing method assemblies to maintain disciplined, repeatable programming practices.
Work directly with CGTech to build and improve VERICUT machine simulation models, including kinematics, fixtures, tooling, and controller behavior.
Collaborate with external Siemens NX and Teamcenter engineering partners on Post Configurator development, NX CAM environment customization, template standardization, and workflow automation.
Own manufacturing data in Teamcenter, including revision control, release workflows, and traceability from design through manufacturing.
Build and refine Manufacturing Resource Library (MRL) structures, classification, and workflows in both Rich Client and Active Workspace Client.
Develop Active Workspace Client (AWC)-based search and visualization workflows to improve shop floor access to manufacturing data.
Apply Third Wave Systems Production Module for physics-based feed optimization and tool life prediction.
Perform tool tap testing and cutting force analysis to characterize machine dynamics and eliminate chatter in difficult alloys.
Optimize machining processes for specific materials.
Drive tooling selection, cutting parameter development, and cycle time reduction.
Author and maintain technical instructions with clear operation sequencing, tooling callouts, and quality requirements.
Develop pre-flight checklists for CNC setups, prove-outs, and first-article runs.
Serve as the go-to technical resource for machinists and operators during prove-outs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
Support machine tool alignment, calibration, and qualification for multi-axis equipment.
Collaborate with quality and metrology on first-article inspections and CMM correlation.
Investigate machining-related non-conformances, author rework procedures, and support resolution.