Job DescriptionThe CNC Applications Manager provides technical leadership for CNC programming, machining-process development, tooling applications, workholding, machine prove-outs, and manufacturing optimization. This role develops reliable and efficient machining solutions for complex, tight-tolerance components across multi-axis milling, turning, horizontal machining centers, as well as mill-turn machining centers.
The position works closely with engineering, production, quality, machinists, programmers, suppliers, and equipment vendors to improve safety, quality, delivery, cycle time, tool life, and machine utilization. The role also provides hands-on shop-floor support, trains CNC personnel, standardizes programming practices, and leads continuous-improvement projects.
ResponsibilitiesCNC Programming and Process Development
- Develop and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, CNC lathes, and mill-turn machines.
- Use Mastercam or similar CAD/CAM software to create efficient CNC programs.
- Develop machining processes from drawing review through production release.
- Review engineering drawings, models, specifications, tolerances, and surface-finish requirements before releasing work to production.
- Apply appropriate machining strategies for complex geometries, tight-tolerance components, and difficult-to-machine materials.
- Maintain organized CNC program, setup, tooling, and process-documentation libraries to support repeatability and revision control.
Tooling and Applications Management
- Lead the selection and application of cutting tools, toolholders, coatings, inserts, and machining strategies.
- Evaluate new tooling technologies and machining methods for improvements in productivity, tool life, surface finish, dimensional control, and process reliability.
- Standardize successful tooling applications across applicable machines and product families.
- Develop tooling packages, setup sheets, tool lists, and standardized cutting-data recommendations.
- Analyze CNC programs and production processes to identify non-value-added motion, inefficient toolpaths, excessive handling, unnecessary tool changes, and avoidable machine delays.
- Lead cycle-time reduction projects while protecting dimensional accuracy, surface finish, process capability, and product integrity.
- Improve machine utilization through better program structure, setup methods, workholding, tooling, and machining strategies.
- Establish baseline conditions and document measurable results from process-improvement projects.
CNC Setup, Prove-Out, and Shop-Floor Support
- Provide hands-on support during CNC setup, first-run prove-out, first-piece inspection, and production launch.
- Troubleshoot CNC programming, tooling, setup, dimensional, surface-finish, and machining-performance problems.
- Respond to production issues that could affect safety, quality, delivery, or machine uptime.
- Coordinate corrective actions with machinists, programmers, manufacturing engineers, maintenance personnel, and quality representatives.
- Modify CNC programs and machining methods when necessary to stabilize production and prevent recurring problems.
- Support root-cause analysis for machining-related nonconformances and process failures.
- Technical Leadership and Training
- Provide technical direction to CNC programmers, setup personnel, machinists, and manufacturing support employees.
- Train employees in Mastercam, CNC programming, setup practices, tooling applications, troubleshooting, and process-development methods.
- Develop programming standards, templates, checklists, and best practices.
- Serve as the primary technical resource for advanced CNC machining applications.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications
- Extensive hands-on CNC manufacturing experience in programming, setup, prove-out, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
- Advanced proficiency with Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software. Including deburring
- Demonstrated experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining centers and lathes
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, and machining specifications.
- Strong knowledge of cutting tools, holders, coatings, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.
- Experience machining complex, precision, or tight-tolerance components.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple technical priorities.
Additional InformationAt no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)
