Manufacturing Engineer, Machine Shop

About the Role

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite - Houston 77041

The Manufacturing Engineer designs, supports, troubleshoots, and improves manufacturing processes in a high-mix, low-volume plastics and precision CNC machining environment. This role manages priorities independently, drives projects from concept through implementation, and serves as a technical bridge between engineering, CNC programming, machining, quality, production, vendors, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops manufacturing processes for new and existing parts, including machine selection, tooling, workholding, machining sequence, inspection requirements, and process controls.
• Leads quoting, part-number creation, cost estimates, BOMs, routings, and engineering/document changes; identifies tools, templates, automation, or scripts to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort.
• Works from drawings and 3D models to support process planning, programming/prove-out, first articles, and release to production.
• Reviews designs for manufacturability and completeness and provides DFM feedback to customers.
• Develops tooling, fixtures, soft jaws, setup sheets, work instructions, standard work, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Supports CNC operations by troubleshooting tooling, cutting parameters, workholding, machine capability, dimensional variation, surface finish, burrs, chatter, cycle time, and tool life.
• Works with programmers and machinists to optimize toolpaths, speeds and feeds, setup sequences, machining processes, and — where qualified — CAM programs or CNC code.
• Evaluates and improves setup time, cycle time, machine utilization, scrap, rework, tool life, material flow, inventory flow, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing cost.
• Supports Quality in root-cause analysis, corrective actions, process capability, first-article inspection, GD&T interpretation, inspection methods, and nonconforming product resolution.
• Identifies and leads continuous-improvement initiatives, including plant layout, cell design, standard work, setup reduction, quick changeover, mistake-proofing, and equipment improvements.
• Supports acquisition, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improvement of manufacturing equipment; interacts with vendors and outside technical resources as needed.
• Assists in training operators and production personnel on new or modified processes and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline required; extensive hands-on machining/manufacturing experience with demonstrated success may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or machining environment, preferably CNC machining; demonstrated ability, technical competence, initiative, and ownership are weighed heavily.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, workholding, tooling, speeds and feeds, tool life, coolant, chip control, machining sequence, and practical repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, 3D models, specifications, manuals, and customer requirements.
• Proven ability to identify improvement opportunities, develop sustainable solutions, and gain buy-in from machinists, programmers, operators, quality personnel, engineers, vendors, and management.
• Excellent written and oral communication, strong organization, proficiency with Microsoft Office/Excel, and a committed, self-motivated work ethic.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• High-mix, low-volume CNC machine shop experience, including plastics/polymers, aluminum, and other common machining materials.
• CNC milling and/or turning experience, including 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining, CAM programming, G-code review/troubleshooting, and systems such as Mastercam or Fusion 360.
• Experience developing tooling, fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, setup documentation, and process improvements.
• Strong GD&T and inspection knowledge, including manual inspection equipment; CMM or advanced inspection experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling software, ERP/MRP systems, Lean/Six Sigma, quoting, cost estimation, and process costing.
• Scripting or automation experience, such as Excel VBA or Python, to streamline engineering and quoting workflows.
• Experience with semiconductor or regulated customers, formal change control such as Copy Exact, and plastics processes such as thermoforming or chemical vapor polishing is a plus.

Physical Activities

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Continually required to stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• Regularly required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Environmental Conditions

• Frequently exposed to an active manufacturing environment, including CNC machinery and production equipment.
• Moderate noise level.