Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on providing hands-on technical support to precision CNC machining operations within an aerospace-focused environment. You will drive process improvements on the shop floor, develop and optimize CNC programs, and support advanced machining technologies such as Multi-Axis, Lynx, and Swiss machining. The position also includes responsibility for laser marking processes, cross-functional collaboration, and training team members to ensure efficient, high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to manufacturing operations by identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving complex machining, tooling, and CNC programming challenges directly on the shop floor.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing methods and implement process improvements that reduce cycle times, lower costs, and consolidate multiple operations into efficient single-run processes.
• Lead training and onboarding activities for team members in the Multi-Axis and Lynx machining areas, ensuring they develop strong technical proficiency and follow best practices.
• Serve as the primary resource for laser marking equipment, including process development, equipment setup, parameter optimization, and workforce training on proper usage.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs using GibbsCAM, ensuring programs are efficient, accurate, and aligned with production and quality requirements.
• Create and update CAD models and related documentation to support new and existing products, ensuring all design and process information remains current and clearly communicated.
• Manage and maintain tooling information, including tool selection, setup documentation, and standardization of tooling practices to support consistent and reliable machining operations.
• Ensure process documentation is accurate, up to date, and easily accessible, including work instructions, setup sheets, and programming notes.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities and participate in contract reviews to ensure manufacturing feasibility, quality, and compliance with aerospace requirements.
• Provide run-time estimates and technical input to support quoting efforts and capacity planning, helping to ensure accurate and competitive proposals.
• Facilitate effective technical communication between departments and across shifts, ensuring smooth handoffs, consistent processes, and alignment on priorities and expectations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing engineering function, promoting best practices in precision CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience within a precision CNC machining environment serving the aerospace industry.
• 2–5 years of experience in an engineering or programming role focused on CNC machining.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and supporting Multi-Axis CNC machines.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and supporting Lynx CNC machines.
• Hands-on experience with process improvement in a manufacturing engineering environment.
• Strong experience in tooling selection, setup, and optimization for CNC machining.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience supporting mechanical and aerospace-related components.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining CNC programs using GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs).
• Experience using CAD/CAM platforms to support CNC programming and process development.
• Experience working with Epicor ERP systems or similar enterprise resource planning tools.
• Familiarity with AS9100 aerospace standards or experience in another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to train and mentor shop floor personnel in machining, programming, and equipment usage.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve machining and programming issues directly on the shop floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to Swiss machining, with the ability to support setup, programming, or process optimization in this area strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting laser marking processes, including process development, equipment setup, and training.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, with an understanding of precision, quality, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience participating in APQP activities and contract reviews for new and existing aerospace projects.
• Ability to generate accurate run-time estimates to support quoting and planning activities.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate effective coordination between departments and across shifts.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment where priorities may shift based on customer and program needs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a precision CNC machining environment that supports aerospace manufacturing, with frequent work on the shop floor alongside machinists, programmers, and production personnel. You will regularly interact with Multi-Axis and Lynx CNC machines, and may support Swiss machining operations as needed. The position involves extensive use of GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs), CAD/CAM platforms, and Epicor ERP systems, as well as laser marking equipment used for part identification and traceability. The work environment emphasizes adherence to aerospace and regulated-industry standards, such as AS9100, with a strong focus on quality, process control, and continuous improvement. You can expect a collaborative atmosphere where engineering, production, and quality teams work closely together to meet demanding customer and regulatory requirements.

Pay

$75,000.00 – $110,000.00/yr

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomington, MN.