MFG Engineering Manager

ND DEFENSE LLC•West Point, MS

About The Position

Manager leads the engineering function on the production floor, overseeing CAD/CAM programming, CNC and manual machining operations, plasma cutting, press brake fabrication, welding, and related manufacturing processes. This role is responsible for process development, tooling, continuous improvement, and the technical leadership of a team of manufacturing engineers, machinists, and welders. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on fabrication expertise with the management skills to drive quality, efficiency, and safety across the shop floor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field — OR equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
5+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in a metal fabrication or machining environment.
2+ years in a supervisory or lead engineering role.
Demonstrated proficiency in CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidWorks CAM, or similar).
Hands-on experience with CNC plasma cutting systems (Hypertherm, Lincoln Electric, or equivalent).
Proven expertise programming and setting up vertical milling centers (Haas, Mazak, Fanuc controls preferred).
Strong knowledge of press brake operations including tooling selection, bend calculation, and program development.
Hands-on experience with MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or stick (SMAW) welding processes; ability to read weld symbols and interpret weld drawings.
Working knowledge of weld codes and standards (AWS D1.1, D1.3, or equivalent).
Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and weld symbols.
Working knowledge of materials — mild steel, stainless, aluminum, and related alloys.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, JobBOSS, Epicor, or similar) for work order and BOM management.
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) credential is a plus.
Familiarity with robotic or automated welding systems (Lincoln Electric, Miller, ESAB, or similar).
Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
Experience with CMM inspection and metrology equipment.
Knowledge of sheet metal design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.

Responsibilities

Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers, programmers, and skilled trades personnel.
Set performance goals, conduct reviews, and build a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Coordinate workflows between engineering, production scheduling, and quality assurance.
Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
Translate engineering drawings and customer specifications into manufacturing-ready programs and toolpaths.
Review and approve CAD models, DXF/DWG files, and nesting layouts for cut and formed parts.
Maintain organized program libraries and revision-controlled documentation.
Oversee programming and operation of CNC plasma cutting tables; optimize cut parameters for material types and thicknesses.
Manage torch height control, kerf compensation, and nesting efficiency to minimize material waste.
Ensure dimensional accuracy and edge quality of cut parts; troubleshoot consumable wear, arc issues, and pierce quality.
Provide technical direction for vertical milling center (VMC) operations, setup, and CNC programming.
Establish feeds, speeds, tooling selections, fixturing, and work-holding strategies for milled components.
Drive first-article inspection, in-process quality checks, and final dimensional verification.
Develop bend programs, tooling setups, and back-gauge sequences for press brake operations.
Ensure correct bend allowances, k-factor compensation, and sequence planning to achieve tight tolerances.
Select appropriate tooling (punches, dies, radius tooling) for material gauge and bend geometry.
Support layout and fabrication of weldments, enclosures, brackets, and structural components.
Oversee structural and sheet metal welding operations including MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and stick (SMAW) processes.
Develop and maintain weld procedures, weld symbols interpretation, and welding sequence plans for assemblies.
Establish fit-up standards, tack sequences, and distortion control strategies for weldments.
Collaborate with quality and design engineering on weld joint design, pre/post-weld treatment, and inspection criteria.
Manage welder qualification records and ensure compliance with applicable codes (AWS D1.1, D1.3, or customer-specific standards).
Troubleshoot weld defects including porosity, undercut, lack of fusion, and cracking; implement corrective actions.
Analyze production data and scrap/rework trends; implement corrective actions and process improvements.
Lead kaizen events and lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce cycle time and improve throughput.
Develop and maintain standard work instructions, process sheets, and operator training materials.
Evaluate and recommend new equipment, tooling, and technology investments.
Champion a safe work environment; conduct hazard assessments and enforce PPE and lockout/tagout procedures.
Support ISO, AS9100, or other quality management system requirements as applicable.
Collaborate with quality engineering on PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and customer corrective actions.