CNC Manufacturing Engineer

Description:

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace  industry.  Signia designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of products, that include mission equipment, thermal management systems, engine technology, and propellers. The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.

Onboard Systems International is the leading global provider of external cargo handling equipment for civil and military helicopters. Founded nearly 50 years ago, the facility in Vancouver, WA has a growing product portfolio including mechanical cargo hooks and suspension systems, proprietary weighing systems, and Human External Cargo (HEC) equipment. 

Position Overview 

Location: Vancouver, WA (Onsite) 

Schedule: Monday - Friday 

Pay: $100,000 - $125,000 per year

The CNC Manufacturing Engineer is a high-impact, shop-focused role responsible for optimizing CNC machining processes, tooling strategies, and overall production performance. This position works in close partnership with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead, quality, and design teams to support existing products, new product introduction, and ongoing process improvements.

What You’ll Do

1. CNC Manufacturing Process Control

• Continuously improve CNC machining processes including setup strategy, tooling, workholding, and process flow in HSM Works and Mastercam
• Partner with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead to define and optimize machining strategies, ensuring programs are efficient, repeatable, and aligned with process intent.
• Provide technical input on CNC programs (CAD/CAM preparation, feeds/speeds, toolpath and tool selection, approach strategies, and process validation).
• Design and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Establish standard work, setup documentation, and machining best practices. Create machine plannings and inspection drawings

2. Production Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead process improvement and cost reduction initiatives within the CNC machine shop.
• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, scrap reduction, and OEE through data-driven analysis.
• Analyze production data and identify trends; implement corrective actions.
• Actively support and initiate continuous improvement efforts with a bias toward action.

3. Tooling, Equipment, & Shop Floor Optimization

• Develop tooling requirements, fixture designs, rapid prototype fixturing, and workholding solutions to improve machining accuracy and efficiency.
• Support equipment selection, implementation, and manufacturing process qualification.
• Reduce setup times through improved tooling strategies and standardized processes.
• Collaborate closely with the shop lead and engineering team to ensure consistency between process intent and shop execution.

4. Process Validation & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Partner with Quality to ensure machining processes meet tight aerospace tolerances and GD&T requirements.
• Support process validation and First Article Inspection (AS9102) requirements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for machining-related issues; Improve process robustness and repeatability.
• Support NPI activities including process development & risk assessment (PFMEA), production workflows, validation, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Programming and Design Engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and process controls for critical characteristics.
• Develop work instructions, operator training materials, and process documentation to ensure new products transition efficiently into production.
• Support cost estimation, capacity planning, and make-buy evaluations during NPI.
• Lead Production Readiness Review (PRR) to drive successful transition from engineering to production

5. Cross Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and design teams to improve manufacturing outcomes.
• Work in close partnership with the CNC Programmer / Shop Lead to align priorities, resolve issues, and drive performance improvements.
• Work with suppliers and external machining partners as needed.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization to drive alignment and results.

Who You Are

Required

• 5–10+ years of CNC machining and/or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on CNC programming experience sufficient to review, validate, and improve programs as needed and in collaboration with the lead programmer.
• Deep expertise in CNC machining (multi-axis milling)
• Strong understanding of
• Cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and machining dynamics
• Work holding and fixture design
• GD&T and precision measurement tools
• Experience designing and optimizing manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to analyze production data and implement improvements.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience with CAD and manufacturing software tools

Preferred

• Aerospace manufacturing experience (AS9100 environment)
• Experience working in a team structure with separate programming and manufacturing engineering roles
• Familiarity with CMM, Keyence, or advanced metrology systems
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with process validation and statistical analysis
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proficient in CNC programming with HSMWorks and/or Mastercam

What’s In It for You

• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• Paid time off and holidays 
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution matching
• In addition to offering competitive wages and benefits, Onboard Systems also offers the opportunity to increase your future earnings tied to growth in company performance. We recognize employee contributions toward growing the business through our unique Growth Participation Unit program (GPU). GPUs are tied directly to company growth and reward all eligible employees with cash when the business grows over time. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

Requirements:

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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