Engineer - Machine Shop

VPG is a global leader in precision measurement and sensing technologies. We design and manufacture high-performance products that support critical applications in the industrial, medical, aerospace, and automotive sectors.  

We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer - Machine Shop to join our Production Team on a full-time basis:

Roles & Responsibility:

New Product Industrialization:

• Conduct manufacturing feasibility, DFM and process-risk reviews for new and transferred products.
• Review drawings, materials, tolerances, GD&T, surface-finish requirements and CTQ characteristics for machinability.
• Develop process flow, operation sequence, routing, machine selection and manufacturing concept.
• Plan and execute prototype, pilot and pre-production machining activities.
• Lead CNC program prove-out, tooling trials, fixture validation, run-at-rate and stable handover to production.
• Complete assigned APQP and PPAP deliverables within the approved project timeline.

Machining Process Development:

• Develop and optimize CNC turning, VMC, HMC and other applicable machining processes.
• Establish and validate cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, coolant strategy and tool-life parameters.
• Prepare stage drawings, CNC setup sheets, tool lists, process parameters, SOPs and standardized work.
• Develop and validate jigs, fixtures, workholding methods and mistake-proofing controls.
• Ensure controlled creation, review, approval, backup and revision of CNC programs.

Process Quality and Capability:

• Prepare and maintain process flow diagrams, PFMEA, control plans and reaction plans.
• Define process controls and measurement methods for CTQ and special characteristics.
• Coordinate MSA, SPC, capability studies and corrective actions for unstable or incapable processes.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis for machining defects, customer complaints, scrap and rework using 8D, A3, 5 Why or equivalent methods.
• Verify corrective-action effectiveness and sustain improvements through updated controls and layered audits.

Productivity and Cost Improvement:

•  Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis and capacity reviews for priority products and machines.
• Improve cycle time, setup time, OEE, machine utilization and process flow using Lean, SMED, Kaizen, 5S and TPM principles.
• Optimize tool life, insert consumption, fixture utilization and machining cost per component.
• Lead approved VA/VE, automation and productivity projects and validate realized savings against the agreed baseline.

Production and Cross-Functional Support:

• Provide timely technical support for daily machining-process issues and abnormal conditions.
• Coordinate directly with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning and Tool Room for rapid containment and resolution.
• Support machine loading, capacity planning, engineering changes and controlled production release.
• Train and qualify operators, setters and technicians on new or revised processes.
• Support internal, customer and certification audits relevant to assigned processes.

Safety, Compliance and Documentation:

• Complete process risk assessments before introduction or modification of machining processes.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, guarding, PPE, chip handling, coolant handling and applicable LOTO controls.
• Maintain controlled process documents, validation records, parameter approvals and technical evidence.
• Implement engineering changes with documented impact assessment, validation, revision control and traceability.

Essential Technical Competencies:

• CNC turning, VMC and HMC process development

• Cutting tools, parameters and tool-life optimization

• Jig, fixture and workholding design

• GD&T and drawing interpretation

• Surface finish and dimensional control

• Cycle-time and capacity analysis

• CNC program prove-out and revision control

Process / Systems Competencies:

• Process flow, PFMEA and control plan

• APQP and PPAP

• MSA, SPC and capability analysis

• 8D, A3, 5 Why and root-cause analysis

• Lean, Kaizen, SMED, 5S, TPM and OEE

• Engineering change control

• SolidWorks / CAD, applicable CAM, ERP/QAD and advanced Excel

Behavioral Competencies:

• Analytical problem solving

• Decision making based on data and risk

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Planning and prioritization

• Technical leadership and coaching

• Ownership, accountability and continuous-improvement mindset

Education: BE / B.Tech in Mechanical, Production or Manufacturing Engineering. Relevant diploma qualifications may be considered in accordance with company policy and demonstrated experience.

Relevant Experience: 6 to 8 years of relevant experience in machine-shop process engineering, including CNC machining, New Product Industrialization, tooling, fixture development and process validation.

Machine Experience: Hands-on exposure to CNC turning, VMC and HMC. Experience with applicable controllers, multi-axis machining or in-process probing is preferred where relevant to the plant.

Quality Systems: Working knowledge of IATF 16949 / ISO-based systems, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plan, MSA, SPC, process capability and structured problem solving.