CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer SME

Lockheed Martin is a leader in aerospace and defense, and they are seeking a CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer SME. This role involves evaluating and developing external machining suppliers for CNC operations, requiring both technical expertise and strong business acumen to drive cost savings and ensure quality performance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead technical assessments of machining suppliers, including:CNC milling/turning (3–5 axis)Complex tolerances & GD&TMaterials (aluminum, titanium, steel, Inconel, composites, etc.) Support RFQ/RFP reviews by:Review drawings for machining typesMatch suppliers to drawing requirements, quality requirements, volume and program needsManufacturability concernsProcess assumptionsCycle times and cost driversSupport PO Kickoffs and drawing reviews with the supplier Participate in source selection decisions as the machining technical authority
• Identify capability gaps in supplier machining processes and recommend corrective actions Support suppliers with:Process improvements request that requires Lockheed attention Partner with Supplier Quality on:Root cause analysis (RCCA)Corrective action plans (CAPA)First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through:Design for Manufacturability (DFM)Alternate process recommendationsAlternate source recommendationsMake vs. buy analysis Assess and mitigate supply chain risk, including:Single-source machining processesCapacity constraintsObsolete or specialized equipment dependencies
• Act as the machining SME between:EngineeringSupply Chain / Strategic SourcingOperationsQuality Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies impacting suppliers Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews Virtual Capability Centers Integrated Product Teams
• Help define and maintain:Machining capability standardsSupplier technical requirementsBest-practice guidelines Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier machining operations Mentor sourcing and quality teams on machining fundamentals

Requirements:

• 10+ years hands-on machining experience (shop floor, manufacturing engineering, or supplier technical role)
• Deep expertise in: CNC machining processes, Tooling, fixturing, and programming concepts, GD&T interpretation, Aerospace/defense materials and specifications
• Experience supporting major aerospace or defense programs
• Experience working directly with external machining suppliers
• Strong understanding of: Supplier audits and technical assessments, Cost drivers in machining, Production ramp-up and capacity planning
• Strong technical communication skills — able to translate complex machining topics for non-technical audiences
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving fact-based decisions
• Able to influence without direct authority
• Willing to travel to supplier sites (typically 25–50%)
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Background in: New product introduction (NPI), Make/buy strategy, Capability Center / COE models
• Experience supporting digital manufacturing, advanced machining, or automation initiatives