Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Machining

At Beehive Industries, we believe there is a better way to meet our customer's needs. Through Additive Manufacturing, Beehive Industries helps develop and produce solutions for our customers at unprecedented speeds, while never compromising the aerospace level quality that they need for their critical work. This role will be located at our Knoxville, Tennessee location.

Role Overview:

Working on our manufacturing team and closely with our design engineering team, the CNC Machining Manufacturing Engineer is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CNC machining of aerospace components and aerospace materials. Helping insource and standup machining capability, provide DfM guidance on prototypes and production hardware, and build and nurture the manufacturing team to build experience with CNC machining. The right candidate must have deep expertise in CNC machining and the ability to communicate and mentor that knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the on-site Subject Matter Expert for CNC machining of aerospace components and aerospace materials. Helping insource and standup machining capability, provide DfM guidance on prototypes and production hardware, and build and nurture the manufacturing team to build experience with CNC machining.
• Process Development: Design and optimize CNC machining for aerospace component and systems, considering factors such as materials, machinery, cutting tools, and labor.
• Tooling and Equipment: Design, specify and select manufacturing fixtures, equipment, and machinery required for aerospace production processes, including CNC machines, chip/FOD masking, post-processing equipment, and other specialized tooling.
• Design for Manufacturing: work with design team to produce designs that are ready for manufacturing efficiently. This includes marking up drawings on manufacturable features and tolerances, running trials to prove what is achievable in-house, and looking at future equipment to increase internal capability to meet design needs.
• Work with quality engineers to improve process capabilities for production jobs. Continuously identify and implement process improvements, automation, and lean manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce production errors.
• Cost Control: Monitor and control manufacturing costs by improving processes, reducing waste, and making cost-effective decisions regarding materials, equipment, and labor.
• Collaborative Work: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware owners, design engineers, quality control specialists, less experienced manufacturing engineer, and production operators, to address issues and ensure smooth production operations.
• Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve current production issues, such as defects, machine malfunctions, or process inconsistencies, to maintain a smooth production flow.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• 15+ years of manufacturing experience, with a focus on metal parts preferred.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes and the creation of part routing/flow. Proficiency in CAD software such as Solidworks, Siemens NX, CAM, Teamcenter, or similar systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, drawings, and models effectively.
• Experience in adapting equipment or tooling designs to meet factory and production requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong workload management and follow-up capabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across all levels within and outside the organization.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Availability to work extended hours during machine outages or critical activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of hands-on experience with production equipment, including programming and fixture design.
• Prior engagement in startup environments.
• Experience in AS9100 certified facilities.
• Competence in new manufacturing process development for prototypes and volume production.
• Competence in 5-Axis CNC operations.

If this sounds like you, please submit an application with your resume. This could be the opportunity you are looking for to expand your skills, contribute to a winning team, and work with talented people who love what they do and take pride in our mission.

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible, and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.