MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer: CNC plays an important role in the growth and development of manufacturing at Century Arms. The individual will work with the New Product Development (NPD) group and the Sustainment Engineering group to create programs for CNC Mills, Lathes, EDM, and other similar equipment to produce consistent precision components and assemblies. This hands-on position requires technical ability, critical thinking skills, and the use of industry techniques to develop or modify fixtures, bringing parts from raw material state (billet, castings, forgings, extrusions) to finished part.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs using CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software based on engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications, including long-hand programming to compile main and sub-programs.
• Apply proper machining strategies, toolpaths, cutting parameters, and tooling to optimize machining processes and achieve desired outcomes.
• Utilize knowledge of CNC machining techniques, including milling, turning, drilling, and grinding, to generate efficient and reliable programs for complex geometry and tight tolerances.
• Tooling and Work holding Design: Design tooling, fixtures, and work holding solutions to support CNC machining operations, ensuring proper tool access, stability, and alignment.
• Select cutting tools, inserts, and tool holders based on material properties, machining requirements, and tool life considerations, focusing on quality and manufacturing costs.
• Analyze and optimize machining processes to improve cycle times, reduce scrap rates, and increase throughput.
• Conduct time studies, tool life analyses, and process simulations to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and best practices to cut waste, streamline workflows, and enhance productivity in CNC machining operations.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures, inspection plans, and in-process checks to ensure machined components meet specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance personnel to address non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in product quality.
• Perform dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools, such as micrometers, calipers, and CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), to verify part dimensions and geometric tolerances.
• Create and support documentation, including CNC programs, setup instructions, tooling lists, and process documentation, to ensure repeatability and consistency in machining operations.
• Provide training and technical support to CNC machinists and operators on program setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the machining team, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-training to enhance capabilities and versatility.
• Adhere to all employment policies, safety policies, and practices required by law or established by the Company.
• Wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment as directed by the Company.
• Immediately report any maintenance and/or safety issues to supervisor.
• Maintain respect, courtesy, a positive attitude, and professionalism toward all co-workers and the Company.
• Actively participate and support the 5S process by maintaining a clean workstation and department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in CNC programming roles, with proficiency in CAM software (e.g., HSMWorks, Mastercam, Gibbs CAM, Edge CAM).
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, including G-code programming, toolpath generation, and machining parameters optimization.
• Ability to operate a variety of CNC machine control types and anticipate machine movement when proving out new programs.
• Knowledge of machining processes and materials, including metal cutting, tooling choice, and workpiece fixturing.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM integration, CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor), and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to CNC programming, machining, and tooling.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is highly desirable.
• General computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• General mechanical ability is preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with hand tools.
• Adhere to essential functions of the position, such as attendance and timeliness.
• Ability to accept and follow directions.

Working Conditions

Work is normally performed throughout a heated manufacturing and warehouse facility. Exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes, and gases is very limited. Noise level is moderate and includes sounds of light manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and normal office equipment (computers, telephones, etc.). No known environmental hazards are encountered in normal performance of job duties.

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift objects up to 35 lbs.
• Be able to lift, push, and pull objects as necessary.
• May be required to stand and walk throughout the workday.
• Occasionally required to bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch.