Manufacturing Engineer – 5-Axis CNC Programming
Location: Pascagoula, Mississippi
Industry: Heavy Manufacturing / Precision Machining / Marine & Industrial Fabrication
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.
Additional Compensation
This position offers eligibility for a 5% annual bonus based on company performance.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in 5-axis CNC programming and machining to support advanced manufacturing operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The ideal candidate will develop CNC programs, optimize machining processes, select tooling, and support production of large, complex precision-machined components. Hands-on 5-axis CNC programming experience is required. CNC gantry milling programming experience is preferred, but not required.
The engineer will collaborate with machinists, CNC programmers, production personnel, and engineering teams to improve machining performance and support new CNC equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, program, validate, and optimize 5-axis CNC machining processes for complex components.
Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.
Develop toolpaths, tooling selections, machining strategies, and workholding solutions.
Support CNC machine setups, program prove-outs, troubleshooting, and production operations.
Optimize cycle times, tool life, machining parameters, and manufacturing efficiency.
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
Collaborate with machinists and production teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
Prepare setup instructions, process documentation, and standardized procedures.
Support introduction, commissioning, and implementation of new CNC equipment, including gantry systems as applicable.
Use CNC simulation and verification practices to minimize errors and collisions.
Required Qualifications
Required: demonstrated hands-on experience writing and optimizing 5-axis CNC programs.
Proficiency using CAD/CAM software to develop multi-axis CNC programs.
Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, cutting tools,…