Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer – 5-Axis CNC Programming Location: Pascagoula, MississippiIndustry: Heavy Manufacturing / Precision Machining / Marine & Industrial Fabrication At Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, we manufacture the complex propulsion components that help move U.S. Navy vessels through the water. From controllable pitch propeller blades to massive monoblock propellers, our work brings together advanced machining, complex hydrodynamic geometry, and precision manufacturing on an extraordinary scale.   As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll turn sophisticated designs into proven machining processes for propulsion systems used across multiple ship classes, including surface combatants and cutters. You’ll take ownership from model to machine—developing multi-axis toolpaths, proving out programs alongside machinists, and solving technical challenges where your decisions directly shape production.   The scale is impressive. You’ll work with blade castings ranging from 4 to 12 feet in height and weighing 1 to 10 tons for controllable pitch propellers. You’ll also have the opportunity to machine monoblock-style propellers from castings up to 21 feet in diameter and weighing up to 50 tons. For an engineer who enjoys complex surfaces, demanding tolerances, and hands-on problem-solving, this is an opportunity to see your expertise take shape in a big way.   You’ll also help build our digital manufacturing future. Within an integrated Siemens NX CAM / Teamcenter PLM environment, you’ll develop fully associative CNC programs and create the digital thread from model to machine. Working with CGTech and external Siemens NX engineering partners, you’ll help shape the workflows, programming standards, and manufacturing resources that support the shop floor.   Our planned plant expansion in Pascagoula will include two new multi-axis gantry CNC machines—and you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing those capabilities online. This is an opportunity to build processes, influence new technology, and help define how the next generation of naval propulsion components is manufactured.   Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in 5-axis CNC programming and machining to support advanced manufacturing operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ideal candidate will develop CNC programs, optimize machining processes, select tooling, and support production of large, complex precision-machined components. Hands-on 5-axis CNC programming experience is required. CNC gantry milling programming experience is preferred, but not required. The engineer will collaborate with machinists, CNC programmers, production personnel, and engineering teams to improve machining performance and support new CNC equipment.   Key Responsibilities Develop, program, validate, and optimize 5-axis CNC machining processes for complex components. Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software. Develop toolpaths, tooling selections, machining strategies, and workholding solutions. Support CNC machine setups, program prove-outs, troubleshooting, and production operations. Optimize cycle times, tool life, machining parameters, and manufacturing efficiency. Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications. Collaborate with machinists and production teams to resolve manufacturing issues. Prepare setup instructions, process documentation, and standardized procedures. Support introduction, commissioning, and implementation of new CNC equipment, including gantry systems as applicable. Use CNC simulation and verification practices to minimize errors and collisions.   Required Qualifications Required: demonstrated hands-on experience writing and optimizing 5-axis CNC programs. Proficiency using CAD/CAM software to develop multi-axis CNC programs. Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and machining strategies. Experience developing machining processes and supporting production operations. Ability to read complex engineering drawings and interpret GD&T. Experience troubleshooting and optimizing CNC programs and machining processes. Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.   Preferred Qualifications CNC gantry milling programming experience is preferred, but not required. Experience with large-format CNC mills, bridge mills, or gantry-type machining centers. Experience with Siemens NX CAM and Siemens SINUMERIK 840D controls. Experience with VERICUT or similar CNC simulation and verification software. Experience machining large steel, aluminum, or other industrial components. Experience supporting CNC equipment commissioning and process development. Background in shipbuilding, marine manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry.   Ideal Candidate Profile A hands-on Manufacturing Engineer or CNC Manufacturing Engineer who has developed and implemented 5-axis CNC programs in production. Candidates with strong 5-axis programming experience on conventional machining centers will be considered even without prior gantry milling experience.   Key Hiring Requirements Must have: hands-on 5-axis CNC programming, CAD/CAM proficiency, machining process development, and troubleshooting expertise. Nice to have (not required): CNC gantry milling programming, Siemens NX CAM, SINUMERIK 840D, VERICUT, and large-component machining experience.   Position Location Pascagoula, Mississippi. Candidates in the surrounding Gulf Coast area within commuting distance are encouraged to apply.   Position Objective Provide advanced 5-axis CNC programming and manufacturing engineering expertise to improve accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and production readiness, including support for future gantry milling capabilities.   Fairbanks Morse is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by the applicable law or government contract), disability or protected veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by law.   This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse.