Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support advanced machine tool manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for participating in engineering design reviews and ensuring that machine tool components are manufactured with optimal cost, quality, safety, and schedule performance.

The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates with engineering, machining, and production teams to improve manufacturability, develop machining processes, and design tools and fixtures that increase efficiency and reduce part cost. This position plays a key role in optimizing machining strategies, supporting NC programming, and improving production workflows across the manufacturing environment.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in manufacturing design reviews of machine tool components to improve manufacturability, cost, quality, and production efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing process flow and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Design machine shop tooling and fixtures to support efficient part production and cost reduction initiatives.
• Assist with process planning and development of machining strategies.
• Select appropriate cutting tools and establish feeds and speeds to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes.
• Create part setup documentation and manufacturing process documentation.
• Develop, create, or modify NC programs to support machining operations.
• Utilize CAD/CAM software to generate NC programs and 3D part models.
• Validate and verify NC programs using simulation tools.
• Optimize machining processes to improve productivity and part quality.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to resolve drawing errors and recommend manufacturability improvements.
• Support tooling design, tooling selection, and fixture design initiatives.
• Apply inspection and gauging methods to verify part quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Create Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documentation.
• Provide manufacturing input and support during quoting and cost estimation activities.
• Follow company quality standards, procedures, and ISO compliance requirements.

Required Experience / Skills

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in manufacturing engineering, machining, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of NC machining processes and programming fundamentals.
• Understanding of G and M codes, machining feeds and speeds, and cutting tool application.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing processes and improving production workflows.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.
• Knowledge of inspection and gauging methods used in machining environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or hold a valid U.S. Green Card.

Preferred Experience / Skills

• Experience working with large machining centers or advanced CNC machining environments.
• Experience with CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD for CAD/CAM programming.
• Experience using simulation software such as Vericut to validate NC programs
• Familiarity with Siemens machine controls or similar CNC control systems.
• Knowledge of fixture design principles and tooling development.
• Experience optimizing machining processes for productivity and cost efficiency.
• Experience supporting manufacturing quotes or cost estimation activities.

Required Education

• Associate’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant manufacturing engineering or machining experience in lieu of formal education.

Location & Clearance Requirements

• Rockford, IL
• Positions require Government background screening and clearance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $72,000 - $140,000 (Heavily Dependent on Experience)

About Lean Synergy

Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm that specializes in aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across a variety of industries. Our team, consisting of military veterans and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. Focused on placing skilled professionals in key roles, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities in government, public, and private sector positions.