Manufacturing Process Engineer - CNC Machining Optimization

Step into a day on our machining floor

At 7:00 AM you’re reviewing overnight metrics for our CNC turning, milling, drilling, and grinding cells. A quick walk-through of the Columbus facility has you checking cycle times, scrap drivers, and machine uptime. By mid-morning, you’re drafting a new process flow, updating work instructions, and refining standard operating procedures (COPs) to lock in repeatability. After lunch, you validate a new fixture and cutting tool package, run capability and time studies, and lead a brief root-cause session to eliminate a recurring defect. You wrap by syncing with product development on an upcoming NPI to ensure manufacturability is baked in from the start.

How you’ll make an impact

• Engineer, tune, and sustain machining processes across CNC turning, milling, drilling, and grinding to achieve stable, high-performance results.
• Author clear process flows, work instructions, and COPs that operators can trust and follow.
• Select, prove out, and standardize cutting tools, fixtures, and equipment for repeatability and throughput.
• Run time and capability studies; use data-driven root cause analysis to cut scrap and boost efficiency.
• Partner on NPIs with product development, quality, and production teams to ensure design-for-manufacture.
• Advance continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and Kaizen practices.
• Troubleshoot complex machining issues and provide hands-on technical support to operations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors for validation, trials, and ongoing optimization.
• Track KPIs and initiate corrective actions to keep processes in control.
• Uphold all safety, quality system, and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• BS/MS in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent) or 5+ years of relevant CNC machining experience.
• Project management capability with strong follow-through.
• Clear communicator who collaborates well and can also work independently.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced production environment.
• Analytical, systematic problem solver.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-ups (GD&T standards preferred).
• Hands-on experience with CNC platforms such as Emag, Okuma, Mazak, and Kuka controllers.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP and production scheduling tools.
• CAD/CAM experience recommended.
• SPS basic knowledge.

Benefits and support

• Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and parental leave.
• Healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• 401k with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Annual reimbursements for designated personal protective equipment.
• Monthly gym membership reimbursement.

Where and how you’ll work

• Location: Onsite at our Columbus facility.
• Physical demand: Ability to lift automotive components up to 15 pounds.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM; some overtime or weekends may be necessary.