Senior Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Machining) – 1st Shift

Senior Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Machining) – 1st Shift

Location: Bolingbrook, IL (On-site)

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (10+ Years)

The Opportunity

We are seeking a high-caliber, hands-on Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our production team in Bolingbrook. This is a "working engineer" role designed for a technical expert who thrives on the shop floor. You will be the primary driver for optimizing CNC machining processes, improving throughput, and ensuring world-class quality for complex automotive components.

If you have a deep mastery of CNC programming, a passion for troubleshooting, and the ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives in a high-stakes 1st-shift environment, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Drive OEE improvements, reduce scrap, and maximize throughput across production lines.
• CNC Leadership: Develop, modify, and validate CNC programs for lathes and milling machines (both vertical and horizontal). Lead toolpath development and cutting strategy optimization.
• Tooling & Workholding: Identify and implement cutting-edge tooling, inserts, and workholding solutions (including hydraulic and pneumatic fixtures).
• Technical Troubleshooting: Address critical machining issues in real-time, including cycle time bottlenecks, tool wear, chatter, and dimensional variations.
• Quality & Standards: Partner with Quality teams to ensure process capability and first-piece validation. Maintain rigorous process documentation and work instructions.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce waste.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent extensive hands-on experience.
• Experience: 10+ years of engineering experience, with a minimum of 5 years specifically focused on CNC programming and machining within the automotive industry.
• Technical Expertise: * Proficiency with CNC lathes and milling machines (experience with Fuji or Mori Seiki is highly preferred).
• Expertise in CAM software (Mastercam or similar) and AutoCAD.
• Strong command of GD&T, blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Metrology: Experience with CMMs, Zoller tool presetters, and various measurement systems.
• Process Control: Solid understanding of SPC, capability studies, and carbide tooling applications.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in high-volume automotive production environments.
• Background in multi-axis machining.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record of leading successful process improvement projects.

Why Join Us?

You will play a pivotal role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your technical decisions have a direct impact on production success. This 1st-shift role offers the autonomy to implement innovative machining strategies and the satisfaction of seeing your improvements come to life on the floor.

Share your resume at ryan@tec-first.com