VPG is a global leader in precision measurement and sensing technologies. We design and manufacture high-performance products that support critical applications in the industrial, medical, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer - Machine Shop to join our Production Team on a full-time basis:
Roles & Responsibility:
New Product Industrialization:
Conduct manufacturing feasibility, DFM and process-risk reviews for new and transferred products.
Review drawings, materials, tolerances, GD&T, surface-finish requirements and CTQ characteristics for machinability.
Develop process flow, operation sequence, routing, machine selection and manufacturing concept.
Plan and execute prototype, pilot and pre-production machining activities.
Lead CNC program prove-out, tooling trials, fixture validation, run-at-rate and stable handover to production.
Complete assigned APQP and PPAP deliverables within the approved project timeline.
Machining Process Development:
Develop and optimize CNC turning, VMC, HMC and other applicable machining processes.
Establish and validate cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, coolant strategy and tool-life parameters.
Prepare stage drawings, CNC setup sheets, tool lists, process parameters, SOPs and standardized work.
Develop and validate jigs, fixtures, workholding methods and mistake-proofing controls.
Ensure controlled creation, review, approval, backup and revision of CNC programs.
Process Quality and Capability:
Prepare and maintain process flow diagrams, PFMEA, control plans and reaction plans.
Define process controls and measurement methods for CTQ and special characteristics.
Coordinate MSA, SPC, capability studies and corrective actions for unstable or incapable processes.
Lead structured root-cause analysis for machining defects, customer complaints, scrap and rework using 8D, A3, 5 Why or equivalent methods.
Verify corrective-action effectiveness and sustain improvements through updated controls and layered audits.
Productivity and Cost Improvement:
Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis and capacity reviews for priority products and machines.
Improve cycle time, setup time, OEE, machine utilization and process flow using Lean, SMED, Kaizen, 5S and TPM principles.
Optimize tool life, insert consumption, fixture utilization and machining cost per component.
Lead approved VA/VE, automation and productivity projects and validate realized savings against the agreed baseline.
Production and Cross-Functional Support:
Provide timely technical support for daily machining-process issues and abnormal conditions.
Coordinate directly with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning and Tool Room for rapid containment and resolution.
Support machine loading, capacity planning, engineering changes and controlled production release.
Train and qualify operators, setters and technicians on new or revised processes.
Support internal, customer and certification audits relevant to assigned processes.
Safety, Compliance and Documentation:
Complete process risk assessments before introduction or modification of machining processes.
Ensure compliance with machine safety, guarding, PPE, chip handling, coolant handling and applicable LOTO controls.
Maintain controlled process documents, validation records, parameter approvals and technical evidence.
Implement engineering changes with documented impact assessment, validation, revision control and traceability.
Essential Technical Competencies:
• CNC turning, VMC and HMC process development
• Cutting tools, parameters and tool-life optimization
• Jig, fixture and workholding design
• GD&T and drawing interpretation
• Surface finish and dimensional control
• Cycle-time and capacity analysis
• CNC program prove-out and revision control
Process / Systems Competencies:
• Process flow, PFMEA and control plan
• APQP and PPAP
• MSA, SPC and capability analysis
• 8D, A3, 5 Why and root-cause analysis
• Lean, Kaizen, SMED, 5S, TPM and OEE
• Engineering change control
• SolidWorks / CAD, applicable CAM, ERP/QAD and advanced Excel
Behavioral Competencies:
• Analytical problem solving
• Decision making based on data and risk
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Planning and prioritization
• Technical leadership and coaching
• Ownership, accountability and continuous-improvement mindset