CST Industries, Inc. · 4 months ago
Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Programming
DeKalb, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expCST Industries, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Lead Engineer to provide leadership and technical direction for machine programmers across four manufacturing facilities. This role will drive efficiency, standardize programming practices, and support automation and capital projects, requiring strong CNC programming expertise and leadership experience.
Machinery ManufacturingManufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4-8 programmers across four sites
Establish, maintain, and enforce programming standards, documentation, and best practices
Oversee CNC programming activities (SigmaNest experience preferred), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety
Support new equipment installations, automation initiatives, and strategic capital projects
Partner with engineers and operators to troubleshoot manufacturing and design issues
Maintain program version control, optimize toolpaths, and manage post-processors
Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 79, ISO, and cybersecurity standards
Collaborate across engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to align programming solutions with business goals
Provide training and mentorship to programmers and operators on new equipment and processes
Translate 2D/3D engineering drawings into machine-readable formats for cutting and routing
Ensure program accuracy, material efficiency, and machine safety
Work closely with engineers to support new designs and prototyping
Review and revise programs to improve process speed, accuracy, and material usage
Document programming procedures and maintain CNC file libraries
Determine best methods for manufacturing products with maximum efficiency
Implement safety and quality control measures to ensure a safe and consistent product
Qualification
Required
3+ years of hands-on CNC programming experience in a manufacturing setting
Demonstrated experience programming 3-axis and 5-axis machines
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical schematics
Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
Effective communication and collaboration skills
Familiarity with safety protocols and manufacturing best practices
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent interpersonal and collaboration abilities
Proven ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
Strong problem-solving, project management, and analytical skills
Ability to work effectively across all functional areas
Effective problem solver, with ability to utilize analytical techniques to resolve conceptual issues
Able to make a shift in approach to developing creative solutions that will result in technology that can provide a technological edge over competition
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
5+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience
5+ years of CNC programming experience
Experience with Microsoft office and AutoCAD
Experience programming 3-axis and/or 5-axis machines
Preferred
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Sigma Nest preferred, SheetCam, CAMPlus and CAMProX, a plus
Experience in Lean Manufacturing
Experience with Time Study techniques
Experience with DFA, FMEA, DOE and Six Sigma tools
Ability to work well under compressed time constraints
Project management
Company
CST Industries, Inc.
CST Industries, Inc.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2018-01-03Acquired
Leadership Team
Jeff Mueller
President and CEO - CST Industries
Hal Whitacre
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) - Americas
Recent News
2025-07-04
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2025-02-17
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