Machining/Tooling Engineer

Position Summary

A Machining and Tooling Engineer designs, develops, and maintains manufacturing tools and fixtures.  The M & T engineer is the subject matter expert in traditional and non-traditional machining.  While optimizing production processes for efficiency and quality, they also lead R&D efforts to increase ACC capabilities for new business opportunities.  They use CAD software to create blueprints, troubleshoot equipment, and collaborate with production teams to reduce downtime. This role typically requires strong mechanical knowledge and experience in machine shop environments.

Key Responsibilities

•    Design & Development: Create or enhance tooling, fixtures, and molds (e.g., plastic injection, metal stamping) using CAD/AutoCAD to support production and prototyping.

•    Process Optimization: Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality, consistent output.

•    Technical Support & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair machinery/tools, providing solutions for technical issues during production.

•    Fabrication & Maintenance: Oversee tool fabrication, maintain tool records, and establish preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime.

•    Collaboration & Vendor Management: Work with design teams and vendors to ensure tools meet specifications, often managing tool fabrication and validation.

Key Competencies

•    Technical Skills:  Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), understanding of material properties, and CNC programming.

•    Machining Knowledge:  Expertise in manual/CNC machining, metalworking, and tool repair.

•    Analytical Skills:  Strong ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.

•    Problem-Solving:  Ability to troubleshoot on the production floor.

Education and Experience

•    Education:  A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field is often preferred, though many positions accept an Associate degree in machine control technology or extensive experience.

•    Experience:  Usually requires 3-5 years in a machine shop, tool and die shop, or manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will possess experience in a manufacturing industry with increasing responsibilities in Engineering, Operations, and/or Research & Development.  He/she will be responsible for bringing new product and processes to market on time and within budget.  Strong focus on process improvement and waste elimination in their responsible areas working closely with Production, Engineering, Facilities, and Quality.  He/she will apply techniques and processes, teach and mentor best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, DFM, DFA, DOE, FMEA, VA/VE, etc.).    

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment

This job operates in both an office environment and a manufacturing environment.  The role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  The individual will be required to adhere to safety policies and procedures on the manufacturing floor.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, with additional hours as business needs necessitate.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required to support the rapid growth of the company