Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Sr. ME)

Position Summary

• Seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with deep expertise in CNC machining within the automotive industry.
• This role is responsible for optimizing machining processes, improving throughput and quality, and leading CNC programming and process development initiatives across production lines.
• The ideal candidate is a hands-on, 'working' engineer capable of troubleshooting, programming, and driving continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize machining processes to improve OEE, reduce scrap, and increase throughput.
• Develop, modify, and validate CNC programs for lathes and milling machines (vertical and horizontal). Lead toolpath development and cutting strategy optimization for automotive components.
• Identify and implement optimal tooling, inserts, and workholding solutions.
• Troubleshoot machining issues including cycle time, tool wear, chatter, and dimensional variation.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure process capability (Cp/Cpk) and first-piece validation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standards.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams

Additional Information

• Bilingual English/ Spanish language is a big positive.

Must Have- 5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in automotive manufacturing.

• Expertise with CNC lathes and milling machines, including CNC process development and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with CAM software (Mastercam or equivalent) and AutoCAD.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance analysis. Nice to Have- Experience in high-volume automotive production environments.
• Multi-axis machining experience.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems.
• Six Sigma certification.
• Lean Manufacturing certification or experience.
• Experience leading process improvement projects.
• Bilingual English/Spanish capability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Expertise in CNC lathes and milling machines (Fuji, Mori Seiki preferred).
• Proficiency in CAM software (Mastercam or similar) and AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Experience with CMMs, Zoller tool presetters, and measurement systems.
• Knowledge of carbide tooling, inserts, and tool holders.
• Experience with fixtures (hydraulic and pneumatic) and workholding design.
• Strong knowledge of SPC, capability studies, and process control.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and shop floor support experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume automotive production environments.
• Background in multi-axis machining.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Experience leading process improvement projects.