Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Programming and Machining)

Position Title: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (CNC Programming and Machining) (Confidential Client)

Location: Bolingbrook, IL | On-site

Employment Type: Contract (temporary)

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $95/hr (candidates requiring a higher rate may be considered; preference will be given to candidates willing to accept $95/hr or less)

Company Overview (Confidential)

Our Client is an automotive manufacturer operating high-volume machining and production lines.

Position Summary

Seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with deep expertise in CNC machining within the automotive industry. This role is responsible for optimizing machining processes, improving throughput and quality, and leading CNC programming and process development initiatives across production lines. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, "working" engineer capable of troubleshooting, programming, and driving continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Important: This is a temporary position. The facility is expected to close approximately May/June. Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, an estimated 40 regular hours per week; overtime is expected. Drug screen and background check are required. The role works cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams, and with Quality on Cp/Cpk and first-piece validation.

Primary Functions

• Optimize machining processes to improve OEE, reduce scrap, and increase throughput


• Develop, modify, and validate CNC programs for lathes and milling machines (vertical and horizontal)


• Lead toolpath development and cutting strategy optimization for automotive components


• Identify and implement optimal tooling, inserts, and workholding solutions


• Troubleshoot machining issues including cycle time, tool wear, chatter, and dimensional variation


• Collaborate with Quality to ensure process capability (Cp/Cpk) and first-piece validation


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles


• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standards


• Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience


• 5+ years of hands-on CNC programming and machining experience in automotive manufacturing, including CNC lathes and milling machines, plus shop floor troubleshooting and support


• Proficiency in CAM software (Mastercam or similar) and AutoCAD


• Strong command of GD&T, blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-ups


• Knowledge of carbide tooling, inserts, and tool holders


• Experience with fixtures (hydraulic and pneumatic) and workholding design


• Strong knowledge of SPC, capability studies, and process control


• Hands-on experience with CMMs, Zoller tool presetters, and measurement systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on Fuji or Mori Seiki CNC lathes and milling machines


• Experience in high-volume automotive production environments


• Background in multi-axis machining


• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems


• Six Sigma or Lean certification


• Experience leading process improvement projects


• Bilingual English/Spanish (a big positive)

Sponsorship Available: No