Manufacturing Engineer / CNC Programmer
Location: Cloverdale, VA
An established and growing CNC machining company in the Cloverdale, Virginia area is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer / CNC Programmer to join our team.
We are a diversified precision machining company serving a variety of industrial and commercial markets. Our work includes both prototype and production machining, with a strong emphasis on quality, precision, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
This is a hands-on engineering and manufacturing position for someone who enjoys solving real-world machining challenges and working directly with CNC machines, machinists, customers, and production teams.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of CNC machining and programming and be able to take a project from engineering drawing or concept through process development, CNC programming, machining, inspection, and production.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop efficient CNC machining processes for new and existing parts.
- Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs for CNC mills and/or CNC lathes.
- Use CAD/CAM software to develop CNC programs based on part geometry, tolerances, materials, tooling, and machine capabilities.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Work directly with machinists and machine operators to troubleshoot machining issues and improve processes.
- Design and develop fixtures, workholding, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
- Review customer drawings and 3D models for manufacturability.
- Identify potential manufacturing challenges and develop practical solutions.
- Assist with quoting by determining machining methods, cycle times, tooling requirements, and manufacturing processes.
- Work with customers to resolve technical questions and manufacturing concerns.
- Troubleshoot production problems and implement corrective actions.
- Optimize machining processes to improve efficiency, quality, repeatability, and profitability.
- Assist with prototype development and transition successful designs into production.
- Support first article inspections and other quality requirements.
- Develop and document standardized machining processes and work instructions.
- Collaborate with shop management, quality personnel, machinists, operators, and customers.
- Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of CNC milling and/or turning processes.
- Proficiency with CAD/CAM software.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Strong knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining practices.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot machining and manufacturing problems independently.
- Experience with CNC mills, CNC lathes, or Swiss-style CNC equipment is a plus.
- Experience with CNC machine controls and G-code is a plus.
- Experience designing fixtures and workholding is a plus.
- Experience with CNC post-processors is a plus.
- Experience working in a job-shop environment with a variety of materials and part types is highly desirable.
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field is preferred; however, equivalent hands-on machining, CNC programming, and manufacturing experience will be considered.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be someone who:
- Thinks like an engineer but understands how parts are actually manufactured.
- Can work directly with machinists to solve problems on the shop floor.
- Enjoys developing efficient solutions for challenging parts.
- Is comfortable moving between CAD/CAM programming, engineering drawings, CNC machines, and the production floor.
- Can take ownership of projects from concept through production.
- Has strong attention to detail and takes pride in producing high-quality work.
- Communicates effectively with customers and coworkers.
- Is self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Is willing to learn, improve processes, and contribute new ideas.
- Wants to play an important role in the growth and success of a manufacturing organization.
What We Offer
- Stable position with an established and growing manufacturing company
- Diverse and challenging machining projects
- Opportunity to work on both prototype and production parts
- Hands-on involvement in engineering, programming, and manufacturing
- Opportunity to work with modern CNC machining technology
- Collaborative work environment
- Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
- Benefits package available
Pay: $98,627.44 - $107,564.80 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
