Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Multi-Axis CNC

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions•Andover, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking experienced Manufacturing Engineers who want to work at the intersection of precision machining, complex metal components, and mission-critical hardware. In this role, you’ll directly support the production of hardware used in advanced defense applications and integrated test systems, owning how critical parts are manufactured, optimized, and delivered. This is a hands-on engineering role. You’ll be embedded on the manufacturing floor, working closely with operations, design, and quality teams to build and refine processes that produce high-performance components in a highly regulated environment. You’ll take ownership of the end-to-end manufacturing process for complex 3D metal parts—from material selection and fixturing strategy to multi-axis CNC programming and inspection planning. Your work will directly impact cost, quality, and delivery across programs where precision and repeatability are critical. If you enjoy solving complex machining challenges, improving processes, and seeing your work translate into real hardware used in high-reliability systems, this is the kind of role where you can make that impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience supporting CNC machining of metal components in a production or manufacturing environment
Strong experience developing multi-axis (4+ axis) CNC programs for complex, tight-tolerance parts
Advanced knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and machine capabilities
Experience translating engineering designs into complete manufacturing process plans (materials, fixturing, tooling, CNC programming, inspection, and work instructions)
Proficiency interpreting and applying GD&T and engineering drawings
Hands-on experience with fixture design, tooling development, and process optimization
Experience working in a regulated or high-reliability environment (aerospace, defense, medical, etc.)
Familiarity with SPC, PFMEA, and process control methodologies
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and operations teams in a production setting

Nice To Haves

5-axis CNC programming experience for complex geometries
Proficiency with NX CAM for medium to highly complex machining programs
Experience with Creo (CAD/CAM) or similar design/manufacturing tools
Familiarity with secondary processes such as coatings, plating, and structural assembly
Experience using Vericut, Cimco Edit, or similar NC validation/simulation tools
Strong understanding of machining simulation, modeling, and optimization techniques
Demonstrated ability to lead or influence continuous improvement initiatives
GD&T certification or advanced application experience
Hands-on mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and solve shop floor challenges
Experience mentoring engineers, machinists, or technicians

Responsibilities

Support day-to-day manufacturing operations on a CNC machining floor, helping resolve issues and keep production moving
Own the translation of engineering designs into fully defined manufacturing processes, including material selection, tooling/fixturing, CNC programming, inspection methods, and work instructions
Develop and optimize multi-axis CNC programs for complex metal components, leveraging modeling and simulation tools
Partner cross-functionally with design, quality, and operations to ensure manufacturability, quality, and efficiency from initial concept through production
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data, SPC, and process analysis to improve capability, reduce cost, and increase throughput
Lead process development for new product introductions, supporting rapid ramp-up and production readiness
Establish and standardize machining best practices, including documentation of methods, workflows, and operator instructions
Review and interpret metrology data to ensure processes remain in control and meet strict tolerance requirements
Mentor and support other engineers and machinists on advanced machining techniques and tooling strategies
Validate and refine NC programs using tools such as Vericut and Cimco Edit