Process Development EngineerWolfram Manufacturing is a precision CNC production shop and technology lab in Austin, TX. We specialize in medium-to-high volume metal parts, run advanced multi-axis equipment, and work with a small roster of demanding OEM customers. We take the work seriously, keep a tight team, and care about getting things right.We are hiring a highly experienced Process Development Engineer to work directly alongside our Engineering Director. This hire is about capacity: more parts, more fun, more processes and opportunities to optimize and automate.
Whether it is bringing a new part online for automated production, conducting design for manufacturing reviews with customers or doing triage on one of the unique ways manufacturing can surprise you – this is fun stuff. This role is not in a vacuum – it is part of a team. You will work closely with our Production Engineering Manager, who owns scheduling, floor execution, and process data in OnTakt — our internal production platform. They aim the artillery and you bring it.
This is a hands-on role, not just a desk job. Proving out a process improvement or brand new part is all yours. Something wrong with the machine and you know how to make it better – let's do it. We are nerds and makers to the core.
We love data and working through problems. There may be some D&D players, but we don't rely on luck. This is an individual contributor role. No direct reports.• Develop creative manufacturing processes primarily but not exclusively for CNC machines• Program these manufacturing processes for our various CNC machines• Prove out the processes on the CNC's• Help design and make fixtures, tools, and even new machines or automations as necessary• Document CNC processes clearly in OnTakt — setup sheets, work instructions, and in-system process notes for excellent handoffs• Support production operators with troubleshooting and slack support• Maintain and improve the health and performance of these processes• Communicate clearly and respectfully with the team• Continually look for opportunities to improve the shop way of life – processes, programs, or otherwise• Work closely with our Engineering Director to keep a reliable high standard of executionYou will be programming for a mix of multi-axis turning centers, Swiss-type lathes, vertical machining, and EDM:Machine | Type | Control Axes | ControlOkuma Multus B250 | Multi-axis mill-turn | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSPOkuma Multus B400 | Multi-axis mill-turn | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSPTsugami TMA8F (×5) | Multi-axis turning | 5 axis / 7 axis w/ sub | FanucOkuma LB3000 (×3) | CNC turning | 4 axis / 6 axis w/ sub | Okuma OSPTsugami S206 Swiss (×2) | Swiss-type lathe | 6-8 axis | FanucFanuc Robodrill (×1) | Vertical machining | 4 axis | FanucFanuc Robocut EDM (×2) | Wire EDM | 2 axis | FanucSodick EDM (×1) | Wire/Sinker EDM | 2 axis | SodickMaterials: hardened 4140, 416R stainless, polycarbonate, aluminum, tool steel, and other stainless alloys.Required:• Multi-axis CNC programming experience — turning, milling, live tooling• Experience programming for tight tolerances in hardened or stainless materials• Proficiency in at least one professional CAM platform (Mastercam, Esprit, Hypermill, TopSolid, or equivalent — we use TopSolid and will provide training for the right candidate)• Ability to read and program directly from engineering drawings• Clear documentation habits — you write things down so others can follow them• Self-directed work style — you can absorb direction, then execute independently• US Person status - required for the nature of our work• Ability to pass a Firearms Background Check (NICS) – required for the nature of our workStrongly Preferred:• Swiss-type lathe programming experience• EDM programming (wire or sinker)• Okuma OSP or Fanuc control familiarity• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a closely related field is a bonus, but a life well lived in this world carries equal weight.What Success Looks Like in Year One:• No machine crashes• Trust of the Engineering Director is earned — you are driving process development independently with a high bar for quality.• Shop floor team can setup and operate your processes with the clear thoughtful documentation you put in OnTakt• Healthy flow of constructive ideas and improvements establishedCompensation: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year