Machining Engineer

Position Summary

The Machining Engineer is responsible for driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and manufacturing efficiency across machining and production operations. This role will focus on improving manufacturing processes, production flow, equipment utilization, quality, cost, and throughput while identifying opportunities for automation and improved manufacturing methods.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in manual and CNC processes combined with enough hands-on experience to effectively understand, troubleshoot, and improve machining operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement and optimization initiatives across machining and manufacturing operations.
• Analyze existing processes to identify opportunities to improve cycle time, throughput, quality, cost, capacity, ergonomics, and equipment utilization.
• Develop and implement improved manufacturing methods, workflows, and process sequences.
• Design and optimize production lines, manufacturing cells, and workstation layouts to improve flow and eliminate waste.
• Identify manufacturing constraints and bottlenecks and develop solutions to increase production capacity.
• Evaluate and implement automation and semi-automation opportunities, including robotics, machine tending, material handling, inspection, and other manufacturing technologies.
• Design fixtures, tooling, workholding, and manufacturing aids to improve process capability, repeatability, productivity, and ergonomics.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, variation, defects, and non-value-added activity.
• Use data, time studies, process metrics, and root-cause analysis to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead projects from initial problem definition through solution development, implementation, validation, and sustainment.
• Support new equipment selection, manufacturing technology evaluation, equipment installation, and process qualification.
• Partner with machinists, technicians, operations, quality, and engineering teams to develop practical and sustainable process improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, manufacturing instructions, and other production standards.
• Support machining process development and optimization, including tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and CNC programs when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with a strong industrial or manufacturing focus. 
• 5–10 years of engineering experience in mechanical, industrial, systems, or manufacturing engineering within an industrial or production environment. Systems Engineering experience should include a strong industrial/manufacturing background. 
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement and manufacturing optimization projects within a production environment. 
• Working knowledge and hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining processes.  
• Experience with production line or manufacturing cell design and optimization, including identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical improvements. 
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing aids. 
• Experience using CAD software for equipment, tooling, fixture, or manufacturing layout development. 
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies. 
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify root causes, and translate findings into practical process improvements. 
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, engineering drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and production systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead improvement projects from concept through implementation. 
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with operators, machinists, technicians, engineers, and leadership. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks and/or Mastercam. 
• Experience with manufacturing automation, robotics, machine tending, automated inspection, or equipment integration. 
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. 
• Experience with CNC programming. 
• Experience with capacity analysis, time studies, value-stream mapping, manufacturing simulation, or manufacturing economics. 
• Experience supporting capital equipment projects, production line launches, or manufacturing technology implementation.

For candidates based in Minnesota: The pay range for this position is $86,300 - $146,700 per year.

Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, tenure, and relevant education or training. The pay scale is subject to change depending on business needs. Your recruiter can share more about the specific range for your location during the hiring process.  

Ichor is committed to supporting your personal well-being and professional development. Our benefits are designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, provide peace of mind, and prepare for your future. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans across all locations, allowing team members to select the coverage that best meets their healthcare needs and budget. Our benefits also include a paid time-off program and paid holidays to support your time away from work. A summary of our Benefits will be provided during the interview process.   

ITAR Compliance
The business site where this position is located is an ITAR-compliant operation. Due to ITAR regulations, Ichor Systems is only able to employ US Persons. A US person is a lawful permanent resident (immigrant with “green card” permanent authorization to work document) or who is a protected person (a citizen, a national, a refugee, or a person granted asylum). Non-citizens with other visas are not eligible for hire at this location.