Senior Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Programming

Jaktool•Cranbury, NJ

About The Position

Build the processes. Solve the hard problems. Help lead what comes next. JAKTOOL is hiring a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead advanced CNC programming and manufacturing process development for precision prototype and complex machined components. This is not a maintenance role and it is not a “keep the machines running” position. This role is for an engineer who wants to own manufacturing strategy , solve complex machining challenges, and grow into a broader technical leadership role as the company scales. You will work at the intersection of engineering and operations, translating design intent into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes. You will help define how parts are made, how processes improve, and how the team grows. For the right person, this is a chance to make a real impact, mentor others, and help shape the future of the manufacturing organization. Why this role stands out At JAKTOOL, senior engineers are trusted to do more than program parts. You will: Own process development from drawing review through first article validation Lead CNC programming strategy for complex, tight-tolerance prototype parts Design fixturing, improve manufacturability, and solve process issues at the source Work directly with engineering, operations, and leadership to influence decisions Mentor machinists and junior engineers while helping establish best practices Grow into larger technical leadership opportunities as the company expands If you want a role where your judgment matters, your ideas get implemented, and your career can grow with the business, this is that opportunity. What you’ll do Lead the development of CNC machining strategies for precision prototype and low-volume machined components Translate customer drawings and engineering models into complete manufacturing plans Own process development, including: tooling selection workholding and fixturing strategy machining and finishing methods setup planning work instructions and control plans Create, optimize, and refine CAM programs in Mastercam or similar platforms Improve toolpaths, feeds and speeds, surface finish, cycle time, and tool life Design and support fabrication of custom fixtures and tooling for challenging part geometries Apply GD&T to machining strategy, inspection planning, and process validation Validate processes on the shop floor and drive first article success Troubleshoot machining and process issues using structured root-cause analysis Partner with design and engineering teams to support design for manufacturability (DFM) decisions Support scheduling and manufacturing priorities in a fast-paced prototype environment Identify and lead continuous improvement efforts in programming, setup efficiency, process stability, and documentation Mentor junior engineers and help raise the technical standard of the team Real manufacturing problems you’ll solve This role is built for engineers who enjoy difficult work, not routine support. Examples of the challenges you may tackle include: Developing machining strategies for complex prototype geometries Creating custom workholding solutions for parts that cannot be run conventionally Solving tight-tolerance and surface finish issues on demanding components Turning new or evolving part designs into stable, repeatable machining processes Reducing setup time, improving cycle time, and increasing process consistency Influencing part design early to improve manufacturability without compromising performance What success looks like You will thrive in this role if you naturally think beyond programming and take ownership of the full manufacturing outcome. Strong candidates typically: Build complete machining strategies, not just CAM programs Think in terms of process capability, manufacturability, risk, and repeatability Are comfortable making independent engineering decisions in ambiguous situations Enjoy being both at the workstation and on the shop floor Like mentoring others and helping elevate team performance Look for ways to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability every day This role may not be the right fit if This position is focused on manufacturing engineering leadership and process ownership . It may not be the best fit if your background is primarily: machine operation without process ownership running established programs rather than developing new ones production support only, without prototype or complex process development experience highly structured work with limited ambiguity or decision-making responsibility

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field Equivalent combinations of advanced technical training and directly relevant experience may be considered
7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or advanced CNC programming
Strong experience in a precision CNC machining environment
Proven ability to develop machining processes from drawing review through first article
Deep experience with CNC programming and CAM strategy , ideally in Mastercam
Strong knowledge of: tooling and workholding fixturing design machining process optimization GD&T metrology and inspection methods
Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality environments
Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with HAAS and DMG Mori equipment preferred
Experience working within a Lean manufacturing culture
Have personally developed processes for complex, tight-tolerance machined parts
Can move confidently between engineering review, programming, shop-floor validation, and process improvement
Naturally take ownership and do not wait to be told what to fix
Have mentored machinists, programmers, or junior engineers
Want a role where you can grow into technical leadership, engineering management, or a larger strategic position over time

Responsibilities

Lead the development of CNC machining strategies for precision prototype and low-volume machined components
Translate customer drawings and engineering models into complete manufacturing plans
Own process development, including: tooling selection workholding and fixturing strategy machining and finishing methods setup planning work instructions and control plans
Create, optimize, and refine CAM programs in Mastercam or similar platforms
Improve toolpaths, feeds and speeds, surface finish, cycle time, and tool life
Design and support fabrication of custom fixtures and tooling for challenging part geometries
Apply GD&T to machining strategy, inspection planning, and process validation
Validate processes on the shop floor and drive first article success
Troubleshoot machining and process issues using structured root-cause analysis
Partner with design and engineering teams to support design for manufacturability (DFM) decisions
Support scheduling and manufacturing priorities in a fast-paced prototype environment
Identify and lead continuous improvement efforts in programming, setup efficiency, process stability, and documentation
Mentor junior engineers and help raise the technical standard of the team