Manufacturing Engineer II - CNC Programmer / Setup (4-Axis Horizontal Milling - Titanium)

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes for complex titanium components produced on 4-axis horizontal machining centers. This role combines CNC programming, process development, machine setup support, tooling selection, fixture design, and continuous improvement activities to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved.

The ideal candidate possesses advanced CNC programming and setup experience, strong knowledge of titanium machining practices, and the ability to drive process improvements within a high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

CNC Programming & Process Development

• Develop, prove-out, and optimize CNC programs for 4-axis horizontal machining centers.
• Create and maintain CAM programs using Mastercam, NX, Fusion 360, or equivalent software.
• Develop machining strategies for titanium components, balancing cycle time, tool life, and part quality.
• Generate setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Validate programs through simulation and shop-floor prove-out activities.
• Support implementation of probing routines and in-process inspection strategies.

Machine Setup & Production Support

• Lead machine setup activities including workholding, tooling, offsets, and first article validation.
• Troubleshoot machining issues involving dimensional variation, surface finish, chatter, tool wear, and machine performance.
• Provide technical support to Manufacturing Technicians and CNC Operators.
• Establish standardized setup procedures to improve repeatability and reduce setup times.
• Assist with fixture qualification and setup reduction projects.

Tooling & Workholding

• Select cutting tools, toolholders, and workholding solutions optimized for titanium machining applications.
• Design and develop fixtures, soft jaws, tombstones, and modular workholding systems.
• Evaluate and implement new tooling technologies to improve productivity and reduce cost.
• Manage tooling inventories and standardization initiatives.

Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on:
• Cycle time reduction
• Setup reduction
• Tool life optimization
• Scrap reduction
• OEE improvement
• Throughput increases
• Utilize lean manufacturing and data-driven problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze machine utilization and production data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Quality & Compliance

• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities.
• Ensure machining processes comply with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Maintain compliance with safety, quality, and company procedures.

What your background should look like

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and advanced CNC manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of CNC programming and machining experience.
• Demonstrated experience programming and supporting 4-axis horizontal machining centers.
• Experience machining titanium alloys in a production environment.
• Experience supporting machine setups and process development.

Technical Skills

• Advanced CAM programming experience.
• Strong understanding of:
• G-Code programming
• GD&T interpretation
• Cutting tool technology
• Workholding and fixture design
• CNC probing systems
• Statistical process control concepts
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Experience with CAD software and solid modeling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Makino, Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori, or Haas horizontal machining centers.
• Experience with Renishaw probing systems.
• Experience with palletized horizontal machining systems.
• Knowledge of aerospace, defense, subsea, medical, or high-performance titanium manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing execution systems.
• Lean Six Sigma certification. 

Competencies