What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Programmer position at Electric Machinery Company - WEG Group?
Electric Machinery Company, a division of WEG Electric Corp.
Minneapolis, MN
Position: Manufacturing Engineer - Machining
Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Primary Objective of Position:
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for defining, developing, and improving machining manufacturing processes to optimize safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role includes CNC programming for critical components, selection of tooling and workholding solutions, and the design of manufacturing fixtures and devices. The position also drives continuous improvement initiatives and supports capital investment projects related to machining operations.
Major Areas of Accountability:
- Develop and generate CAM programs for CNC Mills, Lathes, Laser, and Plasma cutting equipment.
- Lead technical machining activities, including CNC programming, tooling selection, workholding/fixturing, and machining parameters (feeds and speeds), ensuring alignment with production requirements.
- Design and develop manufacturing fixtures and devices to support machining, assembly and others manufacturing processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in machining operations, including optimization of tooling, machining strategies, setup reduction, and process standardization.
- Develop and implement CNC programming automation strategies to improve efficiency and reduce lead time in routine activities.
- Coordinate and support initiatives to improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) in machining processes.
- Propose and support capital investments (CAPEX) related to machining equipment, tooling, and fixtures, including technical specifications, supplier evaluation, and justification.
- Partner with Operations and Engineering teams to develop long-term manufacturing strategies and technology roadmaps.
- Provide technical support and recommendations on manufacturing technologies and best practices.
- Maintain and update CAM software systems.
- Train and support production personnel on machining processes, tooling, and CNC programming.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- BA Engineering degree; Manufacturing preferred.
- Associate degree in CNC Programming, Machining, or related field; or High School diploma/GED with 5 years of equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience with CAM software (e.g., GibbsCAM, Mastercam, Tebis, Edgecam, HyperMill).
- Ideally experienced specifically with Gibbs CAM and ProNest).
- Experience programming CNC machines, including vertical and horizontal lathes and mills.
- Experience in metal fabrication and machining production environments.
- Strong knowledge of machining processes, including tooling, feeds and speeds optimization.
- Hands-on experience with CNC machining, turning, milling, and/or laser and plasma cutting.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD 2D for design and drawing review.
- Experience designing manufacturing fixtures and devices (3D/2D).
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong communication skills, including writing procedures and supporting shop floor teams.
- Proficient with MS Office and digital manufacturing systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Proactive problem-solving mindset with a focus on results.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift twenty-five (25) pounds unassisted.
- Routinely ascends/descends ladders and stairs.
- Ability to routinely move throughout the plant and office environment to perform work.
- Routinely remains in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Occasionally uses repetitive motions including the wrists, hands or fingers to operate computers, machinery or tools.