About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Marine & Defense Manufacturing.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

Confidential Client, an established heavy-equipment manufacturer serving marine, defense, and mining customers, is hiring a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer (Machining) to own machining processes for horizontal boring mills, large lathes, and related shop systems. This is a first-shift, full-time role based in Riverside, MO. You will split time between the office and the shop floor, working directly with machinists, quality, suppliers, and program teams to deliver large, low-volume parts reliably and safely.

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Why You Would Want This Job

• Real ownership — Manufacturing Engineering is a small team; you will own entire machining processes, not a narrow slice.
• The parts are enormous — low-volume, high-mix components (40,000+ lb) where engineering decisions matter.
• Work that supports critical programs — products used in commercial marine and defense applications.
• Stability — a long-standing manufacturer with an established backlog.
• Influence and impact — the organization is small enough that strong ideas can be implemented.
• First shift with minimal rotation.
• Comprehensive benefits and possible relocation assistance for the right candidate.

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What You’ll Do

• Develop, modify, and review G-code and CNC programs for horizontal boring mills, large lathes, and other heavy machining centers.
• Characterize machines and develop repeatable, optimized machining processes.
• Create and maintain process documentation: PFMEAs, process control plans, work instructions, and engineering change control.
• Specify tooling, workholding, gauges, and equipment; identify capital purchases and build business cases.
• Produce and review mechanical drawings supporting new and existing products.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, repairs, and warranty costs.
• Define standard work, train staff, and drive adherence across the shop floor.
• Scout and evaluate new tooling, probing, metrology, automation, and software; plan trials and implementation.
• Design floor layouts and implementation plans for major equipment moves.
• Provide technical support across production, quality, suppliers, and customers and lead cross-functional project teams to meet delivery targets.

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Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on machining experience: part setup, cutting tools, feeds & speeds, and materials.
• Experience programming CNC controls using G-code.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings.
• Thorough understanding of GD&T.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools.
• Comfortable working independently and setting priorities.
• A strong bias toward improvement — you proactively seek better methods and technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; you will work with machinists, suppliers, engineers, and customers frequently.
• ITAR / export-control eligibility: to comply with U.S. government regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)), or a "protected individual" as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

If you are early in your career, apply — demonstrated shop experience, internship/co-op time, or hands-on projects that show curiosity and results are valued over a years-count on a résumé.

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Helpful, But Not Required

• APQP / production launch and quality tools.
• CAD/CAM experience (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Toolpath verification and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with weldments and fit-up processes.
• Large-part, long-cycle, or low-volume machining experience.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing (defense, marine, or similar).

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Work Environment & Safety

• The role splits time between office work and the manufacturing floor.
• Standard PPE is required on the floor; you will be around heavy machinery, cranes, and large assemblies.
• The shop environment can be hot in summer and cold in winter.
• The position is primarily first shift but may require occasional early starts or late finishes for training and handoffs.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000 — $105,000 per year (reported by the client).
• Full benefits: health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer contribution; HSA or healthcare FSA; supplemental insurance options; paid time off; tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance may be available for strong candidates.

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Who You’ll Work With

You will report to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and join a small Manufacturing Engineering team, collaborating closely with Quality Assurance, production supervisors, engineering technicians, and program teams. Manufacturing Engineering and Quality report to the VP of Quality and Operational Excellence.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.