Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming & Floor Support

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Quest Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support CNC programming and floor operations in Tucson, a hands on, collaborative role that partners with machinists, quality, and production teams to improve efficiency and ensure safe, on spec manufacturing. The ideal candidate has five years of CNC experience, 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining, live tooling lathe exposure, CAM proficiency, fixture design, and a proven record of process optimization and first piece prove outs. This is an onsite role requiring US citizenship and preferred clearance. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight CNC programming on production equipment, floor support, lean improvements, and NPI involvement, with measurable outcomes. Pay ranges $65 to $70 per hour, full compensation based on experience.

At QDSS, we focus on solving complex problems that directly impact production, quality, and system performance. If you thrive in hands-on, technical environments, you’ll feel right at home here.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support machining operations by developing CNC programs, improving manufacturing processes, and providing hands-on engineering support to the factory floor. This role partners closely with machinists, quality, engineering, and production teams to improve machining efficiency, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and ensure products are manufactured safely, consistently, and to specification. 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing engineer with experience in CNC programming, machining processes, tooling, and continuous improvement who enjoys spending time on the production floor solving real-world manufacturing challenges. 

This is a 100% onsite position based in Tucson, Arizona, where you'll enjoy the collaboration of working alongside your team every day. With more than 310 days of sunshine each year, stunning mountain views, and a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle, Tucson offers an exceptional place to build both your career and your life.  All candidates must be US Citizens due to the nature of the work.  Clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance is strongly preferred unless otherwise stated below.

What You'll Do 

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills and CNC lathes using CAM software. 
• Validate new CNC programs through first-piece prove-outs and optimize machining processes for quality, efficiency, and throughput. 
• Provide day-to-day manufacturing engineering support by troubleshooting machining and production issues. 
• Partner with machinists to improve manufacturing processes, implement best practices, and provide technical guidance and training. 
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and machining standards. 
• Support new product introductions by creating manufacturing processes, tooling concepts, and cycle time estimates. 
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve productivity, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs. 
• Evaluate new equipment and tooling, including supporting ROI analyses for capital investments. 
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and production teams to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturability. 
• Promote a safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 
• 5 years of relevant experience supporting CNC machining operations within a manufacturing environment and programming CNC mills and/or CNC lathes using CAM software. 
• Experience with: 
  • Multi-axis machining (3, 4, or 5-axis) 
  • Live tooling lathes 
  • Cutting tool selection 
  • Fixture design 
  • Machining process optimization 
• Experience proving out new CNC programs on production equipment. 
• Strong understanding of machining processes and manufacturing methods. 
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. 
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting aerospace or other precision manufacturing environments. 
• Experience using CAM software such as Mastercam, NX CAM, Fusion 360, Esprit, GibbsCAM, or similar. 
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies. 
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI). 
• Experience developing manufacturing work instructions and process documentation. 
• Experience performing ROI analyses for manufacturing equipment. 
• Experience estimating machining cycle times and tooling requirements. 
• Knowledge of GD&T and precision machining practices. 
• Experience training or mentoring CNC machinists. 

This position may be filled at multiple levels depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Responsibilities and compensation will be aligned to the selected level.