Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Aerospace

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator – CNC Aerospace Manufacturing (US Citizen Required)

Location: East Aurora, NY 14052 (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Industry: Aerospace / Automotive / High-Tech Precision Manufacturing
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen (Required – ITAR/Defense Compliance)

Job Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator with strong CNC machining and programming expertise to support the production of highly complex, tight-tolerance aerospace components. This role bridges engineering, machining, and production—supporting everything from process planning and CNC programming to shop-floor execution, quoting, and continuous improvement.

You will collaborate closely with machinists, quality engineers, schedulers, and design teams to ensure efficient manufacturing flow, resolve production challenges, and deliver high-quality machined parts on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, write, simulate, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM tools (NX, Mastercam, Esprit, Mazatrol)
• Validate CNC programs using simulation tools such as Vericut prior to shop release
• Define machining setups, including fixturing, tooling selection, speeds, feeds, and machining strategy
• Provide complete CNC packages: posted code, setup documentation, tool lists, and offset data
• Lead and support shop-floor prove-outs to validate processes before production release
• Create and approve work instructions for both prototype and production machining
• Develop manufacturing methods and cost estimates for new aerospace hardware (quoting support)
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews
• Troubleshoot machining issues and resolve non-conformances in collaboration with quality and engineering teams
• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement activities
• Coordinate with scheduling and production teams to maintain efficient workflow and job sequencing

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR compliance)
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering OR Associate degree with equivalent hands-on experience
• 3+ years of CNC machining/programming experience in a manufacturing environment (or 10+ years without a degree)
• Strong hands-on machining background (mills, lathes, EDM, grinding)
• Proven ability to machine parts from start to finish, including manual and CNC operations
• Experience in CNC programming and process development in a job shop or aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of tooling, machining methods, and shop-floor execution
• Experience working directly with machinists, engineers, and production teams to resolve issues

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred (Automotive or High-Tech machining acceptable)
• Advanced CAD/CAM experience with NX, Mastercam, Esprit, or Mazatrol
• Vericut or equivalent CNC simulation experience
• Experience with quoting, estimating, and process planning for machined components
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience
• Background in tight-tolerance, high-complexity component manufacturing

Work Environment & Location

• Fully on-site role in East Aurora, NY
• Daily interaction with the machining floor is required
• Ideal candidates located within the Buffalo, NY metro (45-minute commute preferred), including Orchard Park, Hamburg, West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, and nearby areas