Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Bridge Building, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Career Development, Civil Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Cost Estimates, Documentation, Grinding, Hardware Administration, Identify Issues, Lathe, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Methods, Mechanical Engineering, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Production Machining, Production Schedule, Production Support, Prototyping, Quality Engineering, Simulation, Time Management, United States Citizen
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator – CNC Aerospace Manufacturing (US Citizen Required)
Location: East Aurora, NY 14052 (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Industry: Aerospace / Automotive / High-Tech Precision Manufacturing
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen (Required – ITAR/Defense Compliance)
Job Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer / Estimator with strong CNC machining and programming expertise to support the production of highly complex, tight-tolerance aerospace components. This role bridges engineering, machining, and production—supporting everything from process planning and CNC programming to shop-floor execution, quoting, and continuous improvement.
You will collaborate closely with machinists, quality engineers, schedulers, and design teams to ensure efficient manufacturing flow, resolve production challenges, and deliver high-quality machined parts on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, write, simulate, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM tools (NX, Mastercam, Esprit, Mazatrol)
- Validate CNC programs using simulation tools such as Vericut prior to shop release
- Define machining setups, including fixturing, tooling selection, speeds, feeds, and machining strategy
- Provide complete CNC packages: posted code, setup documentation, tool lists, and offset data
- Lead and support shop-floor prove-outs to validate processes before production release
- Create and approve work instructions for both prototype and production machining
- Develop manufacturing methods and cost estimates for new aerospace hardware (quoting support)
- Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews
- Troubleshoot machining issues and resolve non-conformances in collaboration with quality and engineering teams
- Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement activities
- Coordinate with scheduling and production teams to maintain efficient workflow and job sequencing
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR compliance)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering OR Associate degree with equivalent hands-on experience
- 3+ years of CNC machining/programming experience in a manufacturing environment (or 10+ years without a degree)
- Strong hands-on machining background (mills, lathes, EDM, grinding)
- Proven ability to machine parts from start to finish, including manual and CNC operations
- Experience in CNC programming and process development in a job shop or aerospace manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of tooling, machining methods, and shop-floor execution
- Experience working directly with machinists, engineers, and production teams to resolve issues
Preferred Experience
- Aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred (Automotive or High-Tech machining acceptable)
- Advanced CAD/CAM experience with NX, Mastercam, Esprit, or Mazatrol
- Vericut or equivalent CNC simulation experience
- Experience with quoting, estimating, and process planning for machined components
- Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience
- Background in tight-tolerance, high-complexity component manufacturing
Work Environment & Location
- Fully on-site role in East Aurora, NY
- Daily interaction with the machining floor is required
- Ideal candidates located within the Buffalo, NY metro (45-minute commute preferred), including Orchard Park, Hamburg, West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, and nearby areas