Process Engineering – Macro Machining

USA Rare Earth, LLC•Stillwater, OK

About The Position

Position Overview: The Process Engineer – Macro Machining is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining machining processes used to shape and size larger magnet components or assemblies. This role ensures dimensional accuracy, throughput, and surface quality by managing cutting parameters, tooling, fixturing, and process controls. Engineer supports production operations, leads troubleshooting, and drives continuous improvement across machining centers and related equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
2–5+ years of machining or manufacturing engineering experience.
Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, GD&T, and tooling interactions.
Experience with SPC and structured problem-solving.
Experience with machining brittle or hard materials (magnets, ceramics, sintered metals).
Familiarity with CNC machining centers, grinders, and precision metrology.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and ISO9001/IATF16949.

Responsibilities

Machining Process Development & Optimization - Develop and refine milling, turning, grinding, or sawing processes for larger magnet parts. Establish machining parameters (speed, feed, depth of cut, coolant flow, tool paths) for robust, repeatable performance. Optimize for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and minimal chipping or cracking in brittle materials.
Tooling & Fixturing Development - Specify cutting tools, wheels, inserts, and fixtures suitable for magnet or special-material machining. Design or improve holding systems (clamps, jigs, soft jaws, magnetic/vacuum fixtures). Improve changeover efficiency and reduce setup variability.
Process Monitoring & Control - Maintain SPC on critical dimensions, flatness, concentricity, and tolerances. Track tool life, vibration, coolant condition, and machine performance. Ensure consistent machining performance across shifts and machines.
Troubleshooting & Root-Cause Analysis - Resolve issues such as poor surface finish, out-of-tolerance dimensions, chipping, breakage, or excessive tool wear. Use structured problem-solving methods (DOE, 5 Why’s, Fishbone) to implement corrective actions.
Equipment & Maintenance Support - Work with maintenance on machining centers, grinders, saws, and material-handling equipment. Support calibrations, alignment checks, PM routines, and machine restorations. Evaluate upgrades or new machining equipment for capability and capacity.
Material Handling & Protection - Define proper handling, staging, and transportation of larger magnet components to prevent damage. Ensure alignment with downstream processes such as grinding, coating, or assembly.
Quality Assurance Collaboration - Define measurement methods using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, CMMs, or optical systems. Establish sampling plans and acceptance criteria for key dimensions and surface characteristics. Support failure analysis for machining-related defects.
Documentation & Standards - Create/update SOPs, machining recipes, control plans, PFMEAs, and process flow diagrams. Maintain tooling libraries, fixture drawings, and process change records.
New Product Introduction (NPI) - Support prototype machining, capability studies, and development of machining standards for new magnet designs. Transition successful trials to full-scale production.
Safety & Continuous Improvement - Ensure safe operation of machining equipment, including coolant handling, chip control, and lifting operations. Lead improvement projects focused on cycle-time reduction, scrap reduction, and tool-life extension.