What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer (CNC & Tooling)- IL USA CITIZENS ONLY, 5+ years or BS Engineering requiredal Engineer position at Ekstrom Carlson?
Job description:
JOB DESCRIPTION: MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (CNC & TOOLING)Role OverviewWe are seeking a skilled and autonomous Manufacturing Engineer (CNC & Tooling) to lead our cutting tool design, manage critical spindle repair projects, and directly operate our CNC tool grinders. This hybrid role bridges high-level engineering design with hands-on, floor-level machining. The ideal candidate will leverage a strong background in cutting tools, CNC milling, and mechanical repairs to optimize our precision grinding operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cutting Tool Design & Engineering
- Design custom cutting tools and geometry modifications using tool-grinding software and CAD platforms.
- Develop grinding programs and simulation models for specialized end mills, drills, step tools, and custom profiles.
- Select appropriate substrates, coatings, and edge preparations tailored to specific manufacturing applications. [1]
2. Spindle Repair & Mechanical Engineering
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and reverse-engineer malfunctioning or worn high-speed grinding spindles.
- Oversee and execute repair workflows, bearing replacements, and sealing modifications to maximize spindle longevity.
- Establish precision balance tolerances and runout specifications for rebuilt spindle assemblies using a strong mechanical approach.
3. CNC Tool Grinder Operation & Programming [1]
- Set up, program, and operate multi-axis ANCA and TruTech CNC tool grinders to manufacture and recondition cutting tools.
- Perform wheel dressing, machine probing, and technical qualification of grinding wheel packs.
- Conduct in-process inspections using precision metrology equipment (micrometers, indicators, comparators) to maintain micron-level tolerances. [1, 2]
4. Continuous Improvement & Optimization
- Optimize grinding wheel speeds, feeds, and coolant delivery to maximize tool surface finish and minimize cycle times.
- Perform preventative maintenance on CNC grinders, filtration systems, and chiller setups.
- Document engineering changes, tool blueprints, and standardized setup sheets for future production runs. [1]
Job Requirements & QualificationsExperience & Education
- Education: Technical trade school, equivalent machine shop experience, or a degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering. Practical shop expertise is highly valued.
- Shop Experience: Solid, hands-on experience working directly with precision cutting tools.
- Milling & Programming Background: Prior experience programming and operating CNC milling machines, along with a deep understanding of how cutting tools perform in real-world milling applications, is highly beneficial.
- Mechanical Background: Prior knowledge of spindle repair or a strong mechanical background in rebuilding precision machinery is highly beneficial.
Technical Skills
- Machining: Proficiency in G-code programming, machine setups, and tight-tolerance grinding operations, specifically on ANCA or TruTech platforms.
- Software: Experience with tool-grinding simulation packages (e.g., ANCA ToolRoom) or related CNC programming software.
- Metrology: Expert capability using precision measurement tools, indicators, and optical tool presletters. [1]
Soft Skills
- Strong technical problem-solving skills for diagnosing spindle vibration or tool failure modes.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on highly technical, custom projects.
- Excellent documentation habits to keep engineering prints and machine programs organized.
Company:
*Growing company focused on aggressively expanding in the future years.
*Health benefits and 401K included.
*Looking for people who are pro-active and customer focused, capable of producing only the highest quality tools and tool regrinds.
*Drug testing will be required.
Please send your resume.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please advise current and desired hourly wage?
- Please advise if you can program complicated tools on CNC tool grinders. What scale are you 1-10 with 10 being the best?
- Work Location: In person