Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on providing hands-on support to precision CNC machining operations in an aerospace-focused environment. You will optimize manufacturing processes, resolve complex machining and tooling issues on the shop floor, and lead technical training in multi-axis machining areas. The position involves CNC programming using GibbsCAM, CAD/CAM work, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve quality, efficiency, and cost performance while maintaining compliance with aerospace and other regulated standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to manufacturing operations by 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 production costs, and consolidate multiple operations into efficient single-run processes.
• Lead training and onboarding efforts for team members in Multi-Axis and Lynx machining areas, helping build and maintain strong technical proficiency across the workforce.
• Serve as the primary resource for Laser Marking equipment, including process development, equipment setup, optimization, and training of operators and technicians.
• Develop, verify, and maintain CNC programs using GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs), ensuring that programs support efficient, repeatable, and high-quality machining operations.
• Create and update CAD models and associated drawings to support manufacturing processes, tooling design, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage tooling information, including selection, documentation, and maintenance of tooling databases to support consistent and reliable machining performance.
• Ensure that process documentation, including work instructions and setup sheets, remains accurate, current, and aligned with best practices and quality requirements.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities by contributing manufacturing input, reviewing requirements, and helping to ensure robust process development.
• Participate in contract review activities by providing technical assessments, manufacturability feedback, and input on process capability and risk.
• Provide run-time estimates and other technical data to support quoting efforts, enabling accurate cost and schedule projections for new and existing work.
• Facilitate effective technical communication between departments and across shifts to ensure consistent understanding of processes, requirements, and changes.
• Drive and support continuous process improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, and cost reduction within a precision CNC machining environment.
• Apply knowledge of aerospace and other regulated manufacturing standards to ensure processes meet applicable quality and compliance requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience within a precision CNC machining environment serving the aerospace industry.
• 2–5 years of experience in an Applications Engineering role in CNC machining, preferably within aerospace.
• Demonstrated experience with Multi-Axis machine setups in a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience with Lynx machine setups and associated processes.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering with a focus on process improvement, tooling, and CNC machining.
• Hands-on experience identifying and resolving machining, tooling, and CNC programming issues on the shop floor.
• Proficiency in GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs) for CNC programming.
• Experience using CAD/CAM platforms to develop and maintain models and manufacturing data.
• Experience with Epicor ERP systems or similar enterprise resource planning tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies applied to machining operations, including cycle time reduction and cost optimization.
• Familiarity with AS9100 aerospace standards or experience working in another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of mechanical and aerospace manufacturing principles.
• Ability to train and mentor others in multi-axis machining, Lynx operations, and related processes.
• Effective communication skills to support cross-functional collaboration and clear technical documentation.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with Swiss machining, including setup and operation, is strongly preferred.
• Prior exposure to aerospace manufacturing environments, including precision tolerances and complex geometries.
• Experience supporting APQP activities and contributing to structured product and process development.
• Experience participating in contract reviews and providing technical input on manufacturability and risk.
• Background in Mechanical or Aerospace disciplines, or equivalent practical experience in related fields.
• Experience developing and supporting laser marking processes, including equipment setup and operator training.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed process documentation, work instructions, and setup sheets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills focused on root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role operates within a precision CNC machining environment that serves aerospace and other highly regulated industries. You will spend significant time on the shop floor working directly with multi-axis machines, Lynx equipment, and potentially Swiss machining platforms, as well as laser marking systems. The position involves regular interaction with CNC programmers, machinists, quality personnel, and cross-functional engineering teams. You will use tools such as GibbsCAM (Virtual Gibbs), CAD/CAM software, and an Epicor ERP system to support planning, programming, and process control. The work environment emphasizes adherence to rigorous quality standards, including AS9100 or similar frameworks, and supports continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency across multiple shifts.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year.

Benefits

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

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Bloomington, MN.