Engineer, Machining

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of machining processes for cutting, grinding, shaping, and finishing of rare earth permanent magnets with tight dimensional tolerances and surface integrity.
• Apply advanced GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5) to interpret engineering drawings and ensure precise part geometry, flatness, concentricity, and perpendicularity.
• Collaborate with design and quality engineering to ensure DFM (Design for Manufacturability) of new magnet components.
• Conduct statistical analysis of machining data, including Cpk/Ppk, gauge R&R, and SPC charts, to monitor and improve process capability.
• Design and fabricate custom fixtures, jigs, and tooling to safely and accurately machine brittle, magnetized or demagnetized materials.
• Lead root cause analysis of dimensional defects and machining errors; develop corrective actions and continuous improvement plans.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance dimensional control.
• Perform hands-on prototyping and process trials, working directly with in-house equipment and technicians.
• Conduct first-article inspections and support dimensional validation using vision systems, micrometers, and other metrology equipment.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in GD&T interpretation, statistical analysis, and machining best practices.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done to ensure world-class health and safety, and full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in precision machining and dimensional control, preferably involving brittle materials.
• Advanced proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5 standard), blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Proven experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g. R, Minitab) and process capability metrics (Cpk, Ppk).
• Experience designing and optimizing fixtures and tooling for complex geometries.
• Fluency with CAD/CAM tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Strong understanding of machining challenges posed by brittle, hard, or magnetized materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualities

• Experience machining ceramics, intermetallics, composites, or rare earth magnets to micron-level tolerances.
• Knowledge of advanced inspection techniques and digital metrology.
• Familiarity with materials science and metallurgy concepts related to manufacturing of rare-earth magnets (e.g. sintering, magnetization, etc.).
• Experience leading technical development projects, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience with programming, and the ability to apply those skills to automate routine analysis, data management, and process control operations.
• Lifelong learner able and enthusiastic to apply existing skills and experiences to new problems.