Manufacturing Engineer
Ripple Foods
Wood Dale, IL, USA
Aegis is partnered with a precision machining manufacturer that has been producing complex machined components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications since 1965. The company is currently entering a significant growth phase under new ownership and is investing heavily in expanding operations, improving processes, and scaling production. This is an opportunity to join a growing machine shop where engineering has a direct impact on throughput, efficiency, and future success.
They are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with strong Swiss machining and PartMaker experience to serve as the technical bridge between engineering and production.
This is not a desk-only engineering role. The ideal candidate will own the process from programming through setup, prove-out, optimization, and production handoff.
Responsibilities:
- Create and optimize PartMaker programs for Star Swiss machines
- Develop high-efficiency multi-channel programs and optimize synchronization and cycle times
- Lead setup and prove-out activities for new and complex parts
- Set tooling, align guide bushings, and support machine setup on Star Swiss equipment
- Support setup and programming activities on Takisawa and Haas lathes
- Verify process stability, tool life, and production readiness before releasing jobs to production
- Select tooling and implement process improvements to maximize throughput and quality
- Troubleshoot machining issues including chatter, tool life concerns, offsets, and dimensional challenges
- Support and mentor setup personnel on the production floor
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on process improvements and DFM initiatives
Requirements:
- 5+ years of CNC machining experience
- 3+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience within machining environments
- Strong PartMaker programming experience
- Hands-on experience with Star Swiss machines (SR, SB, or SV Series)
- Experience with Takisawa and Haas lathes
- Strong understanding of Fanuc and Haas controls
- Ability to edit G-Code and create custom macros
- Experience holding tight tolerances and interpreting complex blueprints
- Strong troubleshooting and process optimization skills
Preferred Experience:
- High-mix, low-volume machining environments
- Aerospace, defense, or precision machining industries
- DFM experience
- Experience mentoring machinists or setup personnel
- High-pressure coolant and advanced tooling strategies
Why This Opportunity?
- Company positioned for significant growth under new ownership
- Highly visible role with direct impact on production performance
- Opportunity to become the technical expert for Swiss machining operations
- Family-oriented culture with long-term growth plans
- Work with complex, precision-machined components across multiple industries
This is an excellent opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys being on the shop floor, solving technical challenges, and driving machining performance in a growing precision manufacturing environment.