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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Process Manager

💰 $85,000 - $120,000

ManufacturingEngineeringOperationsCNC

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Process Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end process engineering and production support for CNC machining operations (mills, lathes, multi-axis machines). This hands-on leadership role focuses on process development, CNC programming review (G-code/CAM), tooling and fixturing design, workholding, cycle time reduction, capacity planning, quality assurance (GD&T/inspection), and cross-functional communication with engineering, procurement, and operations. The ideal candidate blends technical mastery of machining with lean manufacturing, cost control, and people leadership to scale high-mix, low-to-medium volume production.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior CNC Programmer / CAM Programmer
  • CNC Machinist / Set-up Technician with leadership experience
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer with machining focus

Advancement To:

  • Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager
  • Director of Manufacturing / Head of Machining
  • Continuous Improvement Manager / Lean Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineering Manager (metrology, inspection)
  • Product Engineering or DFM Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead process development for new and existing CNC machined components including selection of machining strategies, operation sequences, feeds & speeds, tooling, and fixturing to ensure manufacturability, robustness, and cost-effective production.
  • Create, evaluate, and approve CAM programs and post-processed G-code for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn machines; validate NC code through simulation and first-off run approvals.
  • Define and optimize cycle time, spindle utilization, and machine load balancing by developing standard work, takt calculations, and production routing for high-mix, medium-volume operations.
  • Design and specify fixtures, workholding, and custom tooling; collaborate with tool vendors and in-house tool room to implement tooling improvements that increase accuracy and reduce set-up times.
  • Implement and maintain process documentation including operation sheets, set-up sheets, control plans, process FMEAs, work instructions, and CNC program revision control.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for process-related quality issues using structured problem-solving methods (8D, A3, DMAIC); ensure permanent corrective actions and verification plans are executed.
  • Establish and maintain machining performance KPIs — OEE, first pass yield, scrap rate, on-time delivery — and present results to leadership while recommending and driving continuous improvement projects.
  • Oversee process qualification and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for critical features; partner with quality/inspection to develop sampling plans and statistical process control (SPC) strategies.
  • Manage machine capacity planning, tooling budgets, and preventative maintenance coordination with maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime and maximize throughput.
  • Mentor and train setup personnel and CNC operators on best practices, machine offsets, tool offsets, probing strategies, and safe operation to build a cross-functional, skilled production team.
  • Review engineering drawings and specifications to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback, suggest alternate materials, tolerances, or processes to reduce cost and complexity.
  • Coordinate prototype to production transitions: plan pilot runs, validate processes, capture lessons learned, and scale to production while de-risking critical operations.
  • Manage supplier relationships for outsourced machining, specialty tooling, and precision fixtures; define qualification requirements and audit supplier process controls.
  • Lead implementation of tooling management systems, inventory optimization for cutters, inserts, and holders, and standardization of insert families to reduce SKUs and tooling costs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and ISO/AS standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100 where applicable); participate in internal/external audits and ensure corrective actions are closed.
  • Drive automation and technology initiatives such as pallet changers, probing cycles, tool presetting, palletization strategies, and basic lights-out capabilities to increase machine utilization.
  • Establish and enforce first-article inspection and process validation procedures for new part introductions and engineering change orders (ECOs).
  • Act as escalation point for urgent production issues (scrap incidents, machine failures, tooling breakage) and coordinate cross-functional response to restore production quickly.
  • Conduct cost analyses and continuous cost-reduction projects including cycle time reductions, scrap elimination, and tooling/fixture design improvements.
  • Implement best practices for program backup, version control, secure NC program storage, and transfer procedures to multiple machining centers.
  • Lead cross-functional process reviews with design, procurement, and quality teams to manage change impact, reduce rework, and shorten lead times.
  • Promote and deploy lean manufacturing methodologies (5S, Kaizen, SMED) at the cell and machine level to improve process flow and reduce non-value-added time.

Secondary Functions

  • Support engineering change management by evaluating process impacts, updating routings, and conducting requalification runs as required.
  • Prepare and present process capability and improvement recommendations for capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests related to new machines, automation, or tooling investments.
  • Participate in supplier selection and RFQ reviews for external machining services, ensuring supplier capability aligns with required tolerances and volume demands.
  • Provide hands-on support for complex first-piece inspections and help create inspection plans and CMM programs with the quality team.
  • Maintain and update training curriculum and technical certifications for machine operators and set-up technicians.
  • Contribute to scheduling discussions to balance priority work, preventative maintenance windows, and capacity for urgent jobs.
  • Assist procurement with technical specifications for cutting tools, inserts, coolant, and workholding purchases to ensure compatibility and performance.
  • Pilot digital manufacturing initiatives — toolpath analytics, machine monitoring data, and program management platforms — to enable data-driven process improvements.
  • Coordinate cross-shift documentation and handover procedures to ensure continuity and consistent process execution across all shifts.
  • Represent manufacturing in design reviews and new product introductions, providing manufacturability scoring and risk assessments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mastery of CNC programming and CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX CAM, GibbsCAM, Autodesk PowerMill) with direct experience creating and reviewing multi-axis toolpaths.
  • Deep knowledge of G-code, post-processors, probing cycles (Renishaw probing), tool offsets, and machine kinematics for mills, lathes, and mill-turn centers.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), blueprint reading, tolerance analysis, and metrology equipment (CMM, calipers, micrometers, surface finish).
  • Experience with machining parameters: feeds, speeds, depth of cut, tool engagement, chip control, coolant strategies, and insert selection for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Proficiency in process capability analysis and SPC tools (Minitab, Q-DAS) and familiarity with Cp/Cpk, control charts, and sampling plans.
  • Hands-on experience designing fixtures, workholding, and custom tooling, plus the ability to iterate designs for manufacturability and repeatability.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement methodologies (SMED, 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping).
  • Ability to perform root-cause analysis using 8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) tracking.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Epicor) for routing, BOM, and production scheduling integration.
  • Proficiency in machine tool controls (Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens) and familiarity with CNC machine maintenance best practices.
  • Experience implementing automation (robotics, pallet changers, bar feeders) and basic knowledge of PLCs and HMI integration.
  • Cost analysis and CAPEX justification skills for machine, tooling, and automation investments.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and people-management skills: coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management: translate technical process requirements to production, engineering, and procurement.
  • Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.
  • Project management skills with experience managing multiple concurrent projects and delivering to timeline and budget.
  • Detail-oriented and quality-focused with a commitment to continuous improvement and process standardization.
  • Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced manufacturing environments with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
  • Collaborative mindset: able to drive consensus across engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations.
  • Training and presentation skills to upskill operators and convey process changes effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, CNC Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology; or equivalent military or industry experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5–10 years of progressive experience in CNC machining, process engineering, or production supervision with demonstrated CNC programming and process development ownership.

Preferred:

  • 7+ years in a lead or managerial machining/process role, experience with multi-axis machining and automation, prior exposure to aerospace, medical device, automotive, or high-precision manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
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