The posting
Manufacturing Engineer Job Description Build big. Engineer with precision. Help power the U.S. Navy. At Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, we manufacture the complex propulsion components that help move U.S. Navy vessels through the water. From controllable pitch propeller blades to massive monoblock propellers, our work brings together advanced machining, complex hydrodynamic geometry, and precision manufacturing on an extraordinary scale. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll turn sophisticated designs into proven machining processes for propulsion systems used across multiple ship classes, including surface combatants and cutters. You’ll take ownership from model to machine—developing multi-axis toolpaths, proving out programs alongside machinists, and solving technical challenges where your decisions directly shape production. The scale is impressive. You’ll work with blade castings ranging from 4 to 12 feet in height and weighing 1 to 10 tons for controllable pitch propellers. You’ll also have the opportunity to machine monoblock-style propellers from castings up to 21 feet in diameter and weighing up to 50 tons. For an engineer who enjoys complex surfaces, demanding tolerances, and hands-on problem-solving, this is an opportunity to see your expertise take shape in a big way. You’ll also help build our digital manufacturing future. Within an integrated Siemens NX CAM / Teamcenter PLM environment, you’ll develop fully associative CNC programs and create the digital thread from model to machine. Working with CGTech and external Siemens NX engineering partners, you’ll help shape the workflows, programming standards, and manufacturing resources that support the shop floor. Our planned plant expansion in Pascagoula will include two new multi-axis gantry CNC machines—and you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing those capabilities online. This is an opportunity to build processes, influence new technology, and help define how the next generation of naval propulsion components is manufactured. Core Tech Stack
CAD/CAM: Siemens NX (advanced surfacing, fully associative CAM) PLM: Teamcenter (Manufacturing Resource Library, Rich Client, Active Workspace) Controls: Siemens SINUMERIK 840D PL / SL and SINUMERIK ONE Simulation: VERICUT (CGTech), Internal NX Simulation (CSE) Optimization: Third Wave Systems Production Module Probing: Renishaw, Siemens, Blum on-machine probing Post Processing: NX Post Configurator, Custom lights-out post environments Scripting & Automation: Python, MATLAB, C#, PowerShell/Batch.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities CNC Programming & Advanced NX Modeling
Develop, prove out, and maintain fully associative NX CAM programs for 3- through 5-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn operations on Siemens 840D-controlled machines. Create complex drive geometries, auxiliary surfaces, and containment boundaries using advanced NX curve and surface techniques for propulsion components with compound curvature. Validate toolpaths through NX CSE and VERICUT prior to machine prove-out — gouge detection, collision checking, and full-environment machine simulation. Program Renishaw and Siemens on-machine probing cycles for automated setup, in-process verification, and offset management. Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot highly customized lights-out post processors for unattended machining across multiple machine configurations. Follow and contribute to the company’s proprietary Master Model Concept, working within structured stage models and manufacturing method assemblies to maintain disciplined, repeatable programming practices across all hydrodynamic production programs.
Simulation & External Collaboration
Work directly with CGTech to build and improve VERICUT machine simulation models — kinematics, fixtures, tooling, and controller behavior. Collaborate with external Siemens NX and Teamcenter engineering partners on Post Configurator development, NX CAM environment customization, template standardization, and workflow automation.
Digital Manufacturing & PLM
Own manufacturing data in Teamcenter — revision control, release workflows, traceability from design through manufacturing. Build and refine Manufacturing Resource Library (MRL) structures, classification, and workflows in both Rich Client and Active Workspace Client. Develop AWC-based search and visualization workflows to improve shop floor access to manufacturing data.
Process Optimization
Apply Third Wave Systems Production Module for physics-based feed optimization and tool life prediction. Perform tool tap testing and cutting force analysis to characterize machine dynamics and eliminate chatter in difficult alloys. Optimize machining processes for specific materials Drive tooling selection, cutting parameter development, and cycle time reduction.
Technical Documentation & Process Control
Author and maintain technical instructions with clear operation sequencing, tooling callouts, and quality requirements. Develop pre-flight checklists for CNC setups, prove-outs, and first-article runs.
Shop Floor Support
Serve as the go-to technical resource for machinists and operators during prove-outs, troubleshooting, and process adjustments. Support machine tool alignment, calibration, and qualification for multi-axis equipment. Collaborate with quality and metrology on first-article inspections and CMM correlation. Investigate machining-related non-conformances, author rework procedures and support
Physical requirements Split time between engineering office and active shop floor across multiple factory buildings. Standard machine shop conditions. Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs. Occasional travel for vendor coordination or training.ITAR/EAR: Applicants must be U.S. Persons per 22 CFR §120.62. Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications and Educational Requirements MANDATORY Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology or related discipline Associate’s degree in technical discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience No degree with 10+ years of progressive Manufacturing Engineering and CNC programming experience demonstrating equivalent technical depth and breadth
Technical Requirements:
Proficiency or demonstrated aptitude with Siemens NX CAM, including fully associative programming linked to managed CAD data, or ability to learn rapidly. VERICUT digital simulation experience, or ability to learn rapidly. Experience or strong foundational knowledge of Siemens 840D controls Working knowledge of Teamcenter PLM, or ability to learn rapidly. Rich Client and AWC experience preferred. Exposure to Renishaw and/or Siemens on-machine probing. GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5 applied to machining process development. Strong technical writing ability. U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for DoD confidential clearance.
NON-MANDATORY
Experience in aerospace, defense, or naval propulsion manufacturing with mature PLM-integrated programming workflows.
Fairbanks Morse is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by the applicable law or government contract), disability or protected veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by law. This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse.
