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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Engineering Lead

💰 $95,000 - $145,000

ManufacturingEngineeringCNCMachiningProduction

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Engineering Lead is a senior technical and operational role responsible for leading CNC process development, programming, machine and tooling selection, workholding/fixture design, and cross-functional engineering support for complex machined components. This position serves as the technical authority for CNC machining best practices, establishes standard work for setups and programs, mentors machinists and programmers, manages continuous improvement projects (Lean/Six Sigma), and partners with Quality, Production Planning, Supply Chain, and Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability, cost optimization, and on-time delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior CNC Programmer or CNC Machinist (vertical milling / turning)
  • Manufacturing Engineer (with CNC process ownership)
  • CAM / CAD Programmer with shop-floor exposure

Advancement To:

  • CNC Engineering Manager / Supervisor
  • Director of Manufacturing / Director of Operations
  • Plant Engineering Manager / Head of Machining

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Engineering Lead (assembly or fabrication)
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Lead
  • Quality Engineering Lead (metrology and inspection)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead and own end-to-end CNC process development for new product introductions and production ramp-ups, including CAM programming, G-code optimization, cycle-time reduction, tooling selection, and process documentation to achieve target part quality and throughput.
  • Create, validate, and optimize CNC programs using CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX, PowerMill, or similar) and generate efficient, safe G-code for multi-axis mills and CNC lathes, ensuring programs are collision-free and maintainable.
  • Design, specify, and validate workholding and fixtures (quick-change, modular, tombstone, pallet systems) that reduce setup time, improve part accuracy, and enable high-volume machining with consistent repeatability.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), standard work instructions, setup sheets, tooling lists, and program change-control processes to ensure consistent machining performance across shifts and machines.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for process failures, scrap, and rework using structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D) and implement robust countermeasures that prevent recurrence.
  • Establish and maintain machine capability studies (Cp/Cpk), process capability metrics, process validation, and statistical process control (SPC) to monitor stability and continuously improve machining processes.
  • Partner with Design Engineering and DFM teams to review part designs, tolerances, and GD&T to improve manufacturability, reduce cycle time, and minimize costly redesigns or secondary operations.
  • Manage tooling and cutter selection strategy, negotiate with vendors, evaluate cutting tool performance, and implement tool-life management programs to lower cost-per-part and increase uptime.
  • Provide technical leadership on multi-axis milling (3-, 4-, 5-axis), CNC turning, live tools, and mill-turn centers; support machine selection, retrofits, and controller strategies (FANUC, Siemens, Heidenhain, Mazak) for capacity planning and modernization.
  • Supervise and mentor CNC programmers, machinists, and apprentices — provide training on CAM software, CNC troubleshooting, setup best practices, and inspection techniques to build a high-performing machining team.
  • Coordinate and execute prototype machining, first-article inspection, and production trials to validate processes, document lessons learned, and transition validated programs into production control.
  • Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, SMED, 5S) focused on setup reduction, scrap elimination, flow improvement, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) gains.
  • Interface with Quality Engineering and Metrology (CMM, optical comparators, surface finish measurement) to ensure inspection plans and in-process checks are integrated into CNC workflows.
  • Develop cost models, cycle-time analyses, and process down-selection recommendations to support make-versus-buy decisions and capital equipment investments.
  • Create and maintain the CNC program library, tooling database, fixture inventory, and knowledge repository (including digital twins and post-processor templates) to standardize programming and reduce lead time.
  • Own safety and compliance for machining operations by ensuring safe setup procedures, guarding, lockout/tagout practices, and adherence to relevant standards and company policies.
  • Manage cross-functional priorities during production disruptions — provide technical triage, expedite critical orders, and coordinate with Supply Chain and Production Planning to maintain on-time delivery.
  • Lead supplier qualification and technical evaluation for precision machining services, tooling vendors, and subcontractors, ensuring vendor capability meets engineering and quality requirements.
  • Plan and manage small-to-medium capital projects for process improvements, machine upgrades, fixturing investments, and automation (robotic loading/unloading, pallet changers) including ROI analysis and project timelines.
  • Prepare detailed job travelers, process FMEAs, control plans, and documentation required for regulated industries (aerospace, medical, defense) to ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements.
  • Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap rate, first-pass yield, on-time delivery, tool cost-per-part, and machine utilization to senior leadership and drive accountable improvement plans.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-functional product launches by providing CNC feasibility assessments, process readiness checklists, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Conduct periodic training sessions and skills development workshops for operators and junior engineers on tooling best practices, G-code troubleshooting, and fixture setup.
  • Collaborate with IT and PLM/ERP teams to integrate CNC program management, tooling records, and machine maintenance schedules into enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, MES).
  • Assist Purchasing with technical specifications, RFQs, and vendor quotes for tooling, cutters, and machines to meet production and quality targets.
  • Participate in capacity planning and scheduling reviews to align machine availability, workforce skills, and tooling resources with production demand.
  • Maintain traceability and revision control of CNC programs, process documents, and inspection records for audit readiness and continuous improvement history.
  • Support continuous improvement teams in piloting automation opportunities (pallet changers, probing cycles, adaptive feeds) to reduce manual intervention and increase throughput.
  • Contribute to safety reviews, machine risk assessments, and standardization of machining cell layouts to improve ergonomics and reduce incidents.
  • Provide ad-hoc technical support to Sales and Engineering for quoting complex machined components, including manufacturability feedback, lead-time estimates, and cost drivers.
  • Facilitate lessons-learned reviews and post-mortems after significant production issues to update standards and share best practices across manufacturing sites.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced CNC programming proficiency with hands-on experience in Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, PowerMill, or similar CAM systems and strong ability to post-process for multiple machine controllers.
  • Deep understanding of G-code, subprograms, macro programming, canned cycles, and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize generated code for cycle time and surface finish.
  • Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo) to support fixture design, part orientation, and DFM reviews.
  • Applied knowledge of GD&T and geometric tolerance interpretation to develop robust inspection plans and ensure dimensional compliance.
  • Practical experience with multi-axis machining strategies (3-, 4-, 5-axis milling), mill-turn operations, live tooling setups, and synchronization of simultaneous axes.
  • Proficiency in metrology and inspection techniques, including CMM programming/use, in-process probing, optical measurement, and surface finish assessment.
  • Hands-on experience selecting and validating cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, collets, and coolant strategies to optimize tool life and part quality.
  • Familiarity with machine controllers and automation interfaces (FANUC, Siemens, Heidenhain, Mazak), PLC basics, and machine retrofit considerations.
  • Solid foundation in Lean manufacturing tools (SMED, 5S, Kaizen) and statistical methods (SPC, process capability, MSA) for continuous improvement.
  • Experience building and maintaining tooling libraries, fixture BOMs, and CNC program repositories within PLM/MES/ERP environments.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and quality standards where applicable (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485) and the documentation practices required for audits and certifications.
  • Ability to perform machining process FMEAs, control plans, first-article inspection, and process validation for production release.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and people development skills — capable of mentoring technicians, programmers, and engineers while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
  • Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical machining concepts to non-technical stakeholders including Procurement, Sales, and Senior Management.
  • Analytical mindset with demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to lead structured root-cause analyses under production pressure.
  • Project management aptitude, able to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines, and deliver results on budget.
  • Collaborative approach to cross-functional work, fostering alignment between Design, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain.
  • Attention to detail and high personal standards for quality, documentation, and process compliance.
  • Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities and tight delivery schedules.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent technical diploma with substantial hands-on machining experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering with coursework or certifications in CNC programming, CAM, or manufacturing systems.
  • Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Mastercam/CAMWorks certification, or formal CNC instructor credentials are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering / CNC Machining Technology
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechatronics / Precision Manufacturing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 7–15 years of progressive machining and manufacturing experience with at least 3–5 years in a CNC programming or process engineering lead role.

Preferred:

  • 10+ years of hands-on CNC machining, CAM programming, fixture design, and process improvement experience, including leadership of small engineering teams and successful execution of capital/automation projects.
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