Position Overview The Process Engineer evaluates technical requirements, defines manufacturing workflows, and drives cost-estimating and quoting accuracy for custom sheet metal components, welded structures, laser-treated assemblies, and complex system integrations built for defense and government prime contractors. This role directly bridges pre-award Estimating/Quoting with post-award Production Engineering—combining hands-on CNC/CAM programming expertise across CNC machining, laser cutting and laser curing systems, precision press brake forming, welding cells, and complex electro-mechanical assembly lines to translate Government Technical Data Packages (TDPs) into repeatable, highly profitable production processes. Key Responsibilities 1. Quoting, Cost Estimating & Pre-Award Engineering
- Analyze RFQs, customer blueprints, 3D CAD models, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs) to assess manufacturability, risk, and cost structures for government contracts.
- Utilize CAM software and nesting engine simulations to calculate precise material yields, laser cutting and laser curing cycle times, CNC machining run-times, press brake stroke cycles, and manual/robotic welding costs.
- Develop detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing routings, and labor standards within the ERP system (e.g., Odoo) for competitive bidding.
- Solicit and evaluate vendor quotes for specialized outside processes (e.g., CARC painting, chemical film, anodizing, heat treating, NDT testing).
- Deliver Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to government customers and defense prime contractors to streamline fabrication, reduce assembly labor, and lower unit cost.
2.
CNC, CAM
& Equipment Process Engineering
- Develop, program, and prove out CAM packages and G-code routines for CNC machining centers, 2D/3D CNC lasers, and laser curing systems.
- Optimize press brake bending sequences, tooling selection, K-factors, bend allowances, and corner reliefs to ensure tight structural tolerances.
- Establish process parameters and cycle definitions for laser curing equipment (coating/adhesive curing, specialized surface treatments, thermal processing).
- Design or specify specialized welding fixtures, assembly jigs, hardware insertion tooling (PEM), and holding fixtures for structural system integration.
- Generate complete shop floor manufacturing packages including flat layouts, CNC setup sheets, G-code, tooling lists, and visual assembly work instructions. 3. Quality, Mil-Spec Compliance & Launch Support
- Ensure manufacturing routings and work instructions adhere strictly to military standards (e.
g., MIL-STD-1502, MIL-DTL-5541, MIL-PRF-85285, AWS
D1.1/D1.2
welding specs) and prime contractor flow-downs.
- Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) pilot runs and collaborate with Quality to complete AS9102 documentation for defense sign-offs.
- Support
NIST SP 800-171 / CMMC
security protocols for managing controlled technical data, CAD models, and CAM files. 4. Continuous Improvement & Margin Optimization
- Audit post-production job cost variances against quoted baselines to refine estimating algorithms and improve future bidding win rates.
- Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and PFMEAs when non-conformances, weld distortions, laser curing anomalies, or cycle time delays occur.
- Drive lean manufacturing practices (5S, SMED setup reduction on CNC machinery/press brakes, cellular assembly layout) across integration lines. Required Qualifications & Experience
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent practical hands-on experience.
Experience:
3-7+ years as a Process Engineer, Estimator/Quoter, or CNC/CAM Programmer in precision sheet metal fabrication and system assembly.
Equipment Expertise:
Direct experience with CNC machinery (milling/turning), laser cutting, laser curing systems, precision press brakes, and welding (MIG/TIG/Spot).
CNC & CAM
Software:
Proficiency in CAD/CAM sheet metal & machining programming (e.g., SolidWorks CAM, Mastercam, TRUMPF TruTops, Bystronic BySoft, RADAN, or SigmaNEST).
Quoting & Estimating:
Proven experience analyzing RFQs, calculating machine run/setup times across multi-process lines, and building operational routings in an ERP environment.
Systems Assembly:
Strong background in defining electro-mechanical system assembly steps, hardware insertion (PEM), welding sequences, and post-cure handling. Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience quoting and manufacturing components or assemblies for US Department of Defense (DoD) programs or Tier-1 defense prime contractors.
- Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection reports, ITAR/EAR compliance, and Mil-Spec finishing requirements (CARC, Chemical Film, Anodize).
- Experience using Odoo ERP or similar integrated MRP/ERP systems for estimating, BOM structure creation, and routing execution.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
Special Requirements Citizenship:
Due to government contract requirements, defense specifications, and ITAR regulations, candidates must be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
Pay:
$90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you have 3-5 years CNC/CAM programming expertise Do you have the required 3-5 years Process Engineer experience
Work Location:
In person