Machining Technologies Engineer

Job Description Summary

The Machining Technologies Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting laser ablation processes used in precision material processing and manufacturing applications. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to establish robust process parameters, improve product quality, troubleshoot technical issues, and support the transition of new processes from development into production. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience in laser systems, materials processing, and process characterization.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, and optimize laser ablation processes for a range of materials and product applications.
• Define and adjust process parameters such as pulse energy, wavelength, frequency, scan speed, focal position, and beam path to achieve required performance outcomes.
• Conduct experiments and analyze results to improve process capability, yield, throughput, and repeatability.
• Support process scale-up and transfer from R&D or prototype phases into manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot laser processing issues related to equipment performance, material interaction, feature quality, or dimensional variation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality and other development teams to meet technical and production objectives.
• Support to create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, validation protocols, and engineering reports.
• Analyze processed parts using inspection and metrology tools to confirm conformance to specifications.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to laser processing, quality, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure compliance with laser safety requirements, environmental health and safety standards, and internal operating procedures.
• Support equipment qualification, maintenance planning, and vendor interactions for laser systems and related tools.
• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market
• Uses some judgment and has some ability to propose different solutions outside of set parameters to address more complicated manufacturing processes with technical variety and/or interdependent production cycles. Uses technical experience and analytical thinking. Uses multiple internal and limited external sources outside of own teams to arrive at decisions.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. May lead small projects with low risks and resource requirements. Explains information; developing skills to bring team members to consensus around topics within field. Conveys performance expectations and may handle sensitive issues.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in laser processing, machining technologies, or precision manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience in developing and optimizing laser ablation processes, including parameter setting (e.g., pulse energy, frequency, scan speed, focal control).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in process characterization, experimentation, and troubleshooting manufacturing or equipment-related issues.
• Proven experience in supporting process scale-up from R&D to production, including documentation, validation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with inspection, metrology tools, and manufacturing quality standards, with knowledge of safety (laser/EHS) and continuous improvement practices.