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Job Description
Employment Status:
Full-Time, Exempt Shift:
First (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM). Alternative hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Summary We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer who thinks in systems — someone who can assess a customer drawing, build an accurate cost estimate, and then translate that estimate into a clear, executable plan the production team can work to. This is a planning and estimating role that requires enough technical depth to understand the machining, and enough communication clarity to bridge engineering intent to floor execution. You will own the full cycle from RFQ to production handoff: reviewing drawings for manufacturability risk, estimating time and cost, building job plans and work instructions that set the floor up to meet those estimates, and following up on variances when they don't. Your output directly determines whether Fairchild wins the right work, prices it correctly, and delivers it profitably.
Responsibilities:
Estimating Review customer drawings and determine in-house manufacturability, risk rating, and process approach for CNC Swiss, lathe, and milling work. Develop accurate cost estimates for RFQs and orders — including material, outside processing, tooling, setup, and cycle time — with full visibility into assumptions. Coordinate with Procurement on outside process quotes (heat treat, plating, grinding, etc.) and flag multi-shipment or release-based cost implications. Collaborate with the VP of Sales on quote strategy, win/loss tracking, and RFQ prioritization. Continuously improve estimate accuracy by reviewing actuals vs. estimates after production runs and incorporating learnings. Job Planning & Work Instructions Create CAD drawings/models, detailed characteristic requirements for product to be inspected against. Translate approved estimates into actionable job plans — written descriptions of how a part should be set up, run, tooled, and inspected — giving the programmer and setup tech a clear picture of what they're working against and why. Maintain Process Development notes in ProShop, capturing process decisions and lessons learned so repeat jobs benefit from prior runs. Partner with Programmers to develop and refine process plans. You write the plan; they own the programming and tooling selection. Identify when estimates need to be updated based on floor feedback or changed conditions, and make those updates proactively. Engineering & Production Support Provide technical support to the production team: tooling guidance, setup troubleshooting, machine alarm triage, and nonconformance root cause analysis. Work with Quality Assurance to resolve production NCRs, interpret GD&T, and define inspection requirements for new and revised jobs. Review and modify existing CNC programs where needed. Programming from scratch is not a primary expectation of this role. Continuous Improvement Identify and drive process improvement opportunities: cycle time reduction, tooling standardization, fixturing, setup optimization. Support capital equipment justifications with process capability or efficiency analysis. Contribute to Fairchild's estimate-to-actuals mission — helping the organization close the gap between planned and actual performance by making better plans and diagnosing variance when it occurs. What we're looking for The right person for this role has strong machining knowledge and takes genuine ownership over the quality and completeness of their work. They communicate clearly — with the sales team on quoting, with the floor on process expectations, and with vendors on outside service requirements. They think through downstream implications before marking something done.
Requirements:
5+ years of experience in a CNC machining environment — setup, engineering, or process role. Strong working knowledge of CNC turning, milling, and/or Swiss machining processes. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T accurately. Experience developing cost estimates for machined components. Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and CAM tools. Clear, direct written and verbal communication skills — able to write a job plan a setup tech can follow without asking questions. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems; ProShop experience a plus.
Preferred:
Experience writing job plans, routers, or work instructions in a job shop or precision machining environment. Familiarity with AS9100 or other quality management systems. Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary:
$75,000 - $95,000 per year depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurances. 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Paid time off, holidays and sick leave. Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability insurance. Climate controlled shop environment. Company-sponsored events. About Fairchild Precision Parts Fairchild Precision Parts is a small business built on craftsmanship, integrity, and continuous improvement. For over 80 years, we've specialized in manufacturing high-precision components for industries where quality and reliability are non-negotiable — including aerospace, defense, electronics, and high-end instrumentation. We're in the middle of an intentional transformation: investing in technology, building out our leadership team, and strengthening our systems to scale. At Fairchild, your ideas won't get lost in layers of management — you'll have a direct voice in how we grow, with the opportunity to lead projects, shape new processes, and contribute to capital investment decisions that directly affect our operations. If you want more than a job — if you want to make an impact, grow into broader responsibility, and help shape the direction of a company that has been around for generations — we'd like to meet you. Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently uses hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls, and is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color differentiation, and the ability to adjust focus. Noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Fairchild Precision Parts is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to
