Senior Manufacturing Engineer CNC Machining - 4th Shift
TLDR
Hands-on engineer shaping CNC manufacturing processes for precision aerospace/defense hardware, driving process optimization, quality, and production readiness.
Build the Manufacturing Processes Behind Mission-Critical Technology
Join a team developing advanced hardware that supports aerospace and defense programs where precision, reliability, and quality matter.
We’re seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to help define and optimize how complex metal components are produced. In this hands-on role, you'll work directly on the manufacturing floor, partnering with operations, design, and quality teams to turn engineering designs into high-performing hardware.
From CNC programming and tooling strategy to process optimization and inspection planning, your work will directly impact product quality, delivery, and manufacturing performance.
If you enjoy solving machining challenges, improving processes, and seeing your work become real hardware, this could be the opportunity for you.
Location: Andover, MA (Onsite)
Schedule: 4th Shift – Friday–Sunday, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Enjoy a 3-day work week with 4 days off
Why Join Us?
- Work on advanced aerospace and defense programs
- Own manufacturing processes for precision-machined hardware
- Solve complex machining and process challenges
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Help drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Enjoy a 3-day work schedule with 4 days off each week
- Relocation assistance available
- Opportunities for technical growth and leadership
What You'll Do
- Support day-to-day manufacturing operations and help keep production moving
- Translate engineering designs into complete manufacturing process plans
- Define materials, tooling, fixturing, CNC programming, inspection methods, and work instructions
- Develop and optimize multi-axis CNC programs for complex metal components
- Use simulation and validation tools to improve machining performance and quality
- Partner with design, quality, and operations teams to ensure manufacturability and efficiency
- Lead process development activities for new product introductions and production readiness
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using SPC, process data, and manufacturing analysis
- Review metrology data and ensure processes meet tight tolerance requirements
- Standardize machining best practices and create manufacturing documentation
- Mentor engineers and machinists on advanced machining techniques and process improvements
- Validate and refine NC programs using tools such as Vericut and Cimco Edit
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience supporting CNC machining in a manufacturing environment
- Strong experience developing multi-axis CNC programs for complex metal components
- Advanced understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and machine capabilities
- Experience translating engineering designs into complete manufacturing process plans
- Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T
- Experience with fixture design, tooling development, and process optimization
- Familiarity with SPC, PFMEA, and process control methodologies
- Experience in regulated or high-reliability industries such as aerospace, defense, or medical devices
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one
Preferred Experience
- 5-axis CNC programming for complex geometries
- NX CAM programming experience
- Creo (CAD/CAM) or similar engineering tools
- Vericut, Cimco Edit, or similar NC simulation and validation software
- Coatings, plating, or structural assembly processes
- Machining simulation, optimization, and process modeling
- Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
- GD&T certification or advanced GD&T application experience
- Experience mentoring engineers, machinists, or technicians
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you'll help build reliable manufacturing processes that produce precision hardware used in mission-critical applications. Your expertise will improve quality, increase efficiency, and ensure complex components are delivered on time and to exact specifications.
You'll have the opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy, solve challenging technical problems, and help shape the future of advanced manufacturing.
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.
Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits
3-day work week with 4 days off
Enjoy a 3-day work week with 4 days off
Learning Budget
Opportunities for technical growth and leadership
Relocation assistance
Relocation assistance available
Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. develops innovative aerospace and defense technologies to address complex challenges in the sector. With over 25 years of engineering expertise, we deliver transformative solutions that drive impactful change and advance mission-critical objectives for our clients.