MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (JIGS & FIXTURES)

POSITION SUMMARYThe Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for transforming high-precision fixture designs into physical assets with a focus on technical excellence and financial efficiency. This role requires a blend of advanced CNC/CAM expertise and rigorous project management to ensure parts are machined "Right First Time" within the estimated budget and hours.CORE RESPONSIBILITIES1. CNC / CAM & Process StrategyHigh-Precision Programming:Develop 3-axis and 5-axis CNC programs using advanced CAM software, optimizing tool paths for surface finish and accuracy.Manufacturing Methods:Identify the most efficient manufacturing sequence to ensure dimensions meet customer specifications (±5 to ±10 microns).Surface Treatment Planning:Calculate and apply precise machining allowances to account for post-processing requirements like Hard Anodizing, ENP, or Heat Treatment.2. Material Expertise & DevelopmentMetallic Machining:Implement specialized cutting strategies for Stainless Steel (work-hardening prevention) and Aluminium (high-speed machining with superior surface finish).Non-Metallic & Polymer Development:Lead the machining and development of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and other engineering plastics. This includes managing material compression during clamping and selecting razor-sharp tooling to prevent "burring" or melting.Distortion-Free Machining:Develop specialized workholding and stress-relieving machining sequences to prevent warping in thin-walled components.3. Production Control & Cost ManagementMachining Hour Control:Monitor and control actual machining hours against the pre-defined Estimated Man-Hours. Identify variances and implement corrective actions to prevent cost overruns.Efficiency Audits:Continuously review CNC cycle times and setup procedures to align shop-floor performance with the commercial estimate.Assembly Engineering:Lead the physical integration of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical subsystems, ensuring zero interference during the final build.TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS1. Education & ExperienceQualification:B.E. / B.Tech in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Production Engineering.Experience:4–7 years in high-precision CNC machining and toolroom operations.Domain Expertise:Proven experience in managing "Estimate vs. Actual" machining costs for custom tooling projects.2. Software & Technical ProficiencyCAM Mastery:Expert proficiency in Mastercam, NX CAM, or PowerMill.Project Tracking:Familiarity with ERP systems or Excel-based tracking for monitoring machining hours and production milestones.Metrology:Hands-on experience with CMM, 3D scanning, and high-precision manual gauging.3. Specialized KnowledgeMaterial Science:Understanding of the thermal and mechanical properties of Stainless Steel, Aluminium alloys, and the elastic behaviour of TPU during machining.Tooling Economics:Ability to select cutting tools that balance high-speed removal with long-term cost-efficiency.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)Labor Efficiency:Percentage variance between Estimated vs. Actual machining hours (Target: <5% variance).Quality Rate:Success rate of First Article Inspection (FAI) with zero rework due to machining errors or material distortion.Material Integrity:Zero part rejections due to improper handling of specialized materials (e.g., melting of TPU or work-hardening of SS).On-Time Delivery:Adherence to the production schedule for final fixture assembly.