Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager – CNC Manufacturing

Location: Central IL
Compensation: $100,000–$135,000
Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site

An established precision manufacturer is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead engineering operations, CNC programming, process improvements, and technical team development.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone with a strong CNC machining and manufacturing engineering background who can improve cycle times, reduce tooling costs, optimize machining processes, and develop a high-performing engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering personnel, projects, training, and performance management.
• Develop and implement manufacturing engineering strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee CNC programming, G-code, new part development, job packets, and initial setups.
• Troubleshoot machining issues during new job run-offs and production.
• Optimize setup times, cycle times, tooling usage, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Conduct time studies, tool testing, and process evaluations.
• Manage cutting tool inventory, tool crib procedures, and tooling costs.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, programs, routings, and job packets.
• Manage engineering issues and corrective actions through Plex ERP.
• Collaborate with Operations and department leaders on production improvements and cycle time estimates.
• Provide technical training in machining, blueprint reading, GD&T, equipment operation, and manufacturing processes.
• Support customer communication and resolution of engineering concerns.
• Drive 5S, workplace safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform NDT Level II Limited inspections as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• 6+ years of CNC manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, programming, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with G-code programming, blueprint reading, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of setup optimization, cycle time reduction, and tooling cost control.
• Strong project management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop technical employees.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous engineering management or technical leadership experience.
• Experience with Plex ERP or similar manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with tooling technology, time studies, and process development.
• NDT Level II Limited certification or experience is a plus.

Why Join?

• $100,000–$135,000, based on experience
• Leadership role with direct influence on manufacturing performance
• Opportunity to improve CNC programming, processes, and tooling efficiency
• Hands-on involvement in new product development and machining operations
• Ability to develop engineering talent and drive continuous improvement

Interested?

For confidential consideration, contact:

Alana Seddon | gpacExecutive Search Consultant |
Manufacturing & Industrial Operations
Phone: 785-783-6703
Email: alana.seddon@gogpac.com

All inquiries and candidate information will be held in the strictest confidence.

Keywords

Engineering Manager • Manufacturing Engineering Manager • CNC Engineering Manager • CNC Manufacturing • CNC Programming • G-Code • Manufacturing Engineer • Process Engineering • Precision Machining • CNC Machining • Tooling Engineering • Cutting Tools • Tool Crib • Cycle Time Optimization • Setup Reduction • GD&T • Blueprint Reading • Plex ERP • Manufacturing Process Improvement • Time Studies • Tool Testing • 5S • Continuous Improvement • NDT Level II • Engineering Leadership

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.