Overview

Position Type: Full-Time, ExemptWork Arrangement: Fully Onsite - Houston 77041 No recruiters or phone calls please No sponsorship is offered for this position ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Manufacturing Engineer designs, supports, troubleshoots, and improves manufacturing processes in a high-mix, low-volume plastics and precision CNC machining environment. This role manages priorities independently, drives projects from concept through implementation, and serves as a technical bridge between engineering, CNC programming, machining, quality, production, vendors, and customers. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who challenges legacy processes, develops practical solutions, and gains support from experienced machinists and tenured employees while respecting valid customer, quality, and regulatory requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develops manufacturing processes for new and existing parts, including machine selection, tooling, workholding, machining sequence, inspection requirements, and process controls.Leads quoting, part-number creation, cost estimates, BOMs, routings, and engineering/document changes; identifies tools, templates, automation, or scripts to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort.Works from drawings and 3D models to support process planning, programming/prove-out, first articles, and release to production.Reviews designs for manufacturability and completeness and provides DFM feedback to customers.Develops tooling, fixtures, soft jaws, setup sheets, work instructions, standard work, and other manufacturing documentation.Supports CNC operations by troubleshooting tooling, cutting parameters, workholding, machine capability, dimensional variation, surface finish, burrs, chatter, cycle time, and tool life.Works with programmers and machinists to optimize toolpaths, speeds and feeds, setup sequences, machining processes, and - where qualified - CAM programs or CNC code.Evaluates and improves setup time, cycle time, machine utilization, scrap, rework, tool life, material flow, inventory flow, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing cost.Supports Quality in root-cause analysis, corrective actions, process capability, first-article inspection, GD&T interpretation, inspection methods, and nonconforming product resolution.Identifies and leads continuous-improvement initiatives, including plant layout, cell design, standard work, setup reduction, quick changeover, mistake-proofing, and equipment improvements.Supports acquisition, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improvement of manufacturing equipment; interacts with vendors and outside technical resources as needed.Assists in training operators and production personnel on new or modified processes and performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline required; extensive hands-on machining/manufacturing experience with demonstrated success may be considered in lieu of degree.Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or machining environment, preferably CNC machining; demonstrated ability, technical competence, initiative, and ownership are weighed heavily.Strong understanding of CNC machining, workholding, tooling, speeds and feeds, tool life, coolant, chip control, machining sequence, and practical repeatable manufacturing processes.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, 3D models, specifications, manuals, and customer requirements.Proven ability to identify improvement opportunities, develop sustainable solutions, and gain buy-in from machinists, programmers, operators, quality personnel, engineers, vendors, and management.Excellent written and oral communication, strong organization, proficiency with Microsoft Office/Excel, and a committed, self-motivated work ethic. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE High-mix, low-volume CNC machine shop experience, including plastics/polymers, aluminum, and ot