What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Aerospace position at BlackStar?
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator – CNC Aerospace Manufacturing (US Citizen Required)
Location: East Aurora, NY 14052 (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Industry: Aerospace / Automotive / High-Tech Precision Manufacturing
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen (Required – ITAR/Defense Compliance)
Job Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator with strong CNC machining and programming expertise to support the production of highly complex, tight-tolerance aerospace components. This role bridges engineering, machining, and production—supporting everything from process planning and CNC programming to shop-floor execution, quoting, and continuous improvement.
You will collaborate closely with machinists, quality engineers, schedulers, and design teams to ensure efficient manufacturing flow, resolve production challenges, and deliver high-quality machined parts on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, write, simulate, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM tools (NX, Mastercam, Esprit, Mazatrol)
- Validate CNC programs using simulation tools such as Vericut prior to shop release
- Define machining setups, including fixturing, tooling selection, speeds, feeds, and machining strategy
- Provide complete CNC packages: posted code, setup documentation, tool lists, and offset data
- Lead and support shop-floor prove-outs to validate processes before production release
- Create and approve work instructions for both prototype and production machining
- Develop manufacturing methods and cost estimates for new aerospace hardware (quoting support)
- Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews
- Troubleshoot machining issues and resolve non-conformances in collaboration with quality and engineering teams
- Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement activities
- Coordinate with scheduling and production teams to maintain efficient workflow and job sequencing
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR compliance)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering OR Associate degree with equivalent hands-on experience
- 3 years of CNC machining/programming experience in a manufacturing environment (or 10 years without a degree)
- Strong hands-on machining background (mills, lathes, EDM, grinding)
- Proven ability to machine parts from start to finish, including manual and CNC operations
- Experience in CNC programming and process development in a job shop or aerospace manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of tooling, machining methods, and shop-floor execution
- Experience working directly with machinists, engineers, and production teams to resolve issues
Preferred Experience
- Aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred (Automotive or High-Tech machining acceptable)
- Advanced CAD/CAM experience with NX, Mastercam, Esprit, or Mazatrol
- Vericut or equivalent CNC simulation experience
- Experience with quoting, estimating, and process planning for machined components
- Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience
- Background in tight-tolerance, high-complexity component manufacturing
Work Environment & Location
- Fully on-site role in East Aurora, NY
- Daily interaction with the machining floor is required
- Ideal candidates located within the Buffalo, NY metro (45-minute commute preferred), including Orchard Park, Hamburg, West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, and nearby areas