Senior Machine Tool Design Engineer We are seeking a Senior Machine Tool Design Engineer to lead the development of new, American-made CNC metal-cutting machines from concept through build and runoff. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who can study the machining application, define the machine architecture, perform and direct engineering calculations, and remain actively involved in 3D CAD design. The primary focus will include heavy vertical turning lathes, horizontal turn-mill centers, flat-bed lathes, and purpose-built CNC machines. Compensation includes a base salary of $130,000–$160,000, company-wide profit sharing, and relocation assistance to the New England area.
Responsibilities:
Lead complete CNC machine tool development projects from initial concept through design, assembly, testing, and final runoff.
Evaluate metal-cutting applications and use machining requirements to define machine structure, kinematics, drivetrain, spindle, and tooling configurations.
Design heavy vertical turning lathes, horizontal slant-bed turn-mill centers, flat-bed lathes, and custom machines for specialized part families.
Create and review detailed 3D CAD models, mechanical drawings, calculations, specifications, and design documentation.
Determine which machine components should be designed internally versus sourced and integrated from external suppliers.
Specify critical components including guideways, spindles, motors, castings, direct-drive systems, rack-and-pinion systems, hydraulics, and automatic tool changers.
Direct finite element analysis (FEA) involving cutting forces, structural loading, modal behavior, chatter, vibration, and thermal drift.
Integrate mechanical systems with motors, rotary encoders, linear scales, hydraulic systems, and Siemens or FANUC CNC control platforms.
Collaborate with electrical, controls, manufacturing, assembly, and applications teams throughout the machine development process.
Troubleshoot design, build, alignment, and performance issues during assembly and machine runoff.
Mentor engineers and designers while remaining actively involved in hands-on machine design.
Support the continued development of domestically designed and manufactured CNC machine tool platforms.
Requirements:
10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, machine design, or CNC machine tool engineering.
Demonstrated experience owning the design of a complete machine from concept through build and runoff.
Strong understanding of whole-machine design, including structures, kinematics, spindles, drives, hydraulics, automatic tool changers, and precision alignment.
Experience designing CNC metal-cutting machinery, heavy industrial equipment, or similarly complex precision machines.
Proficiency with a mainstream 3D CAD platform; Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks experience is preferred.
Ability to perform and direct mechanical engineering calculations and finite element analysis.
Knowledge of cutting-force loading, machine rigidity, vibration, chatter, modal behavior, thermal growth, and load paths.
Experience specifying and sourcing critical machine components such as guideways, spindles, motors, feedback systems, and castings.
Working knowledge of mechatronic integration, including motors, encoders, linear scales, hydraulics, and CNC controls.
Strong judgment regarding component selection, supplier capabilities, design tradeoffs, manufacturability, and system integration.
Ability to work full-time onsite in New England.
Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements.
Willingness to relocate; relocation assistance is available.
