CNC DESIGN ENGINEER

Reporting through the Manufacturing Engineering department, the CNC Design Engineer is responsible for all production-ready CNC files and related items. This includes but is not limited to auditing, validating, producing, managing, and maintaining all CNC files and Manufacturing documentation for in-house manufacturing of CNC parts used for production and prototyping purposes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end integration of CNC parts from engineering release through production execution.
• Release and maintain revision-controlled CNC files ensuring alignment with engineering intent, tolerances, and full production traceability.
• Validate product geometry, toolpaths, nesting strategies, and material orientation prior to production release.
• Define, maintain, and improve CNC SOPs, work instructions, setup sheets, and tooling standards.
• Ensure repeatability and traceability across shifts and operators.
• Lead first-article validation, prototyping runs, and production ramp-ups for new and revised CNC parts.
• Evaluate part manufacturability, scalability, and compatibility with existing CNC equipment and processes.
• Ensure CNC-cut parts meet engineering specifications and fit, form, and function requirements; provide manufacturing-driven feedback and redlines to Engineering.
• Create CAD models, drawings, and templates following standards.
• Create and maintain optimized, production-ready nested cut files for CNC departments.
• Manage production file lifecycle including new model year carryover and transition of obsolete files to Service Parts.
• Provide manufacturing engineering deliverables including BOM input, controlled engineering drawings, visual aids, templates, and standardized tools required to support CNC operations and production execution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, material utilization, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations, to resolve production issues and support new product integration.
• Support implementation of new CNC processes, equipment, and products.
• Spend 50% or more time on the production floor providing hands-on support and troubleshooting CNC operations and manufacturing issues.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills and abilities for success in this position:

• Strong knowledge of CNC cutting processes, tooling, feeds/speeds, and machine capabilities.
• Proficiency reviewing and validating engineering drawings, CAD/CAM files, toolpaths, and nested cut programs.
• Ability to assess part manufacturability, scalability, and production readiness
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Experience with revision control, PDM systems, and controlled file release
• Hands-on production-floor problem-solving and troubleshooting capability
• Ability to lead first-article validation and support prototyping and production ramp-ups.
• Ability to review and validate sheet metal designs for manufacturability, including flat patterns, bend allowances, tolerances, and CNC cutting compatibility.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining SOPs, work instructions, and setup documentation.
• Ability to use production data to drive process improvements
• Ability to provide clear visual aids and standardized tools for operators
• Comfortable spending significant time on the production floor supporting operations
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to work closely with all members of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills for managing CNC file lifecycles and documentation
• Strong root-cause analysis and continuous improvement mindset
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, set priorities, meet deadlines, and make independent decisions within the scope of responsibility with minimal supervision.
• Capability to monitor CNC equipment operation and perform product and process inspections to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
• Strong CAD proficiency to analyze, organize, and prepare CNC-ready files using formats and platforms such as DWG, DXF, AutoCAD, Rhino, SolidWorks, V-Carve, and more.
• Proficiency in interpreting and troubleshooting CNC G-code, including understanding of machine motions, tool calls, offsets, and safety commands.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional working relationship with operators, engineers, leadership, and internal customers.
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly

Knowledge, Education, and/or Experience Required:

• Four (4) years of post-secondary education with a focus on technology, engineering, or manufacturing.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ANSI drawing standards.
• Must have knowledge of raw materials, production processes, QC, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture of products.
• Strong lean manufacturing experience especially in continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, elimination of waste, 5S, Kaizen events, and visual management

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a non-climate-controlled environment where ambient air temperature can exceed outside air temperature occasionally.
• Must be able to bend at the waist and knees and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds when necessary.
• Must be able to wear PPE as required. ß thinking for gelcoat booth/grinding booth masks.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.

Additional Requirements:

• A Motor Vehicle Record Report (MVR) in good standing.

Americans with Disability Specifications

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions, a normal office environment, or a factory environment that is not climate controlled. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The factory in certain areas maintains a high fiberglass and dust environment.

Personal Protective Equipment might be required in certain areas of the factory including but not limited to safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, gloves, and protective garments.

Employees in safety-sensitive positions must report to work fit for duty and must remain fit for duty throughout their workday. To be fit for duty, the employee must not be impaired by alcohol, illicit drugs, or medication.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Nautique Boat Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Nautique Boat Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Nautique Boat Company expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Nautique Boat Company’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.