Engineering Liaison

Description

About Us:

Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision CNC machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and a range of value-added services. We excel in providing exceptional value through responsive customer service, technical expertise, and innovative lean manufacturing practices. Our commitment to delivering world-class quality and on-time performance has made us a trusted partner for our customers. With five divisions across Minnesota and Wisconsin, we support leading customers in aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and semiconductor markets.

Chandler offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) with safe harbor company match; paid holidays; paid time off; and supplemental benefit options.  

Summary:

The Engineering Liaison is a highly skilled, advanced CNC machining and process support role responsible for supporting production through complex machining, CNC programming, setup development, troubleshooting, and new product introduction (NPI) activities. This role serves as a technical expert across multiple machining cells, helping ensure machines, programs, tooling, and processes are optimized for safety, quality, productivity, and repeatability.

The Engineering Liaison operates independently on advanced machining tasks and partners closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, etc. to improve manufacturing processes. This role does not supervise employees but may provide technical coaching and training support.

Duties:

Advanced CNC Machining & Production Support

• Operate CNC machines (mills, lathes, Swiss, and multi-axis equipment up to 4+1 axis) to support production, prototypes, and process development.
• Perform complex setups, offsets, work coordinate adjustments, and machine prove-outs.
• Work independently on advanced machining assignments with full ownership of part quality and process outcomes.
• Perform in-process inspections using advanced metrology techniques to ensure dimensional and surface compliance.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, machine alarms, tooling failures, and process variation to restore stable production.
• Verify machining processes against blueprints, routings, CNC programs, inspection instructions, and job travelers.

CNC Programming & Optimization

• Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and process stability.
• Transfer and manage CNC programs per company procedures.
• Edit programs to eliminate errors and improve machining performance.
• Support Engineering with program development, optimization, and validation.
• Assist with first article runs and program prove-outs for new and revised parts.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Engineering Support

• Work on new product launches and process development.
• Develop machining methods, tooling strategies, and setup approaches for new components.
• Support PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability studies, and manufacturing documentation development.
• Participate in process validation and production readiness activities prior to release to production.
• Assist with development and qualification of inspection and gauging methods.

Quality & Process Control

• Ensure all work meets dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements.
• Perform advanced in-process inspection and interpret data to make process adjustments.
• Support root cause analysis for nonconforming product and machining-related defects.
• Work with Quality to improve inspection methods, gaging techniques, and process capability.
• Monitor trends in scrap, rework, and variation to drive corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Identify and implement improvements in machining processes, tooling, and workflow.
• Analyze production data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase machine utilization.
• Participate in cross-functional improvement projects with Engineering and Production teams.

Training & Technical Support

• Provide technical coaching to employees on machining processes, setups, tooling, and programming.
• Assist in developing training materials and best practices for machining operations.
• Support onboarding of new operators by demonstrating processes and standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of advanced CNC Machining experience.
• Strong technical proficiency in CNC machining, tooling, machine setup, troubleshooting, and complex manufacturing processes.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprints, work instructions, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of tooling, workholding, and machining process optimization.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to support team members.
• Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with ERP systems and production documentation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.