Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Machining (Automotive)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in CNC machining within the automotive industry. This contract role, based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, focuses on optimizing machining processes, improving throughput and quality, and leading CNC programming and process-development initiatives across production lines.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on engineer who can troubleshoot machining issues, develop CNC programs, and drive continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize machining processes to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce scrap, and increase throughput.
• Develop, modify, and validate CNC programs for vertical and horizontal lathes and milling machines.
• Lead toolpath development and cutting-strategy optimization for automotive components.
• Identify and implement appropriate tooling, inserts, and workholding solutions.
• Troubleshoot machining issues involving cycle time, tool wear, chatter, and dimensional variation.
• Collaborate with Quality to support process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and first-piece validation.
• Drive continuous-improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standards.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.
• At least 5 years of CNC programming and machining experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Expertise with CNC lathes and milling machines; experience with Fuji and Mori Seiki equipment is preferred.
• Proficiency with CAM software, such as Mastercam, and AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Zoller tool presetters, and measurement systems.
• Knowledge of carbide tooling, inserts, and tool holders.
• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic fixtures and workholding design.
• Strong knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), capability studies, and process control.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and shop-floor support experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume automotive production environments.
• Background in multi-axis machining.
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Experience leading process-improvement projects.
• Bilingual English/Spanish language skills are a significant advantage.

Additional Information

• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States