CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer SME

Job Description:

Description:The CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer is the technical person for evaluating, selecting, and developing external machining suppliers for complex CNC milling and turning operations (3‑ to 5‑axis). In addition to deep technical expertise, this role requires strong business acumen—the ability to translate capability data into strategic sourcing decisions that drive cost savings, revenue protection, and spanet competitiveness.
This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Quality, and Operations to evaluate machining capabilities, resolve technical issues, reduce cost and risk, and ensure suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and performance requirements.
This position bridges the gap between engineering intent and supplier execution, providing hands-on machining expertise to support supplier selection, development, and ongoing performance.

Supplier Technical Evaluation & Selection
• Lead technical assessments of machining suppliers, including:
o CNC milling/turning (3–5 axis)
o Complex tolerances & GD&T
o Materials (aluminum, titanium, steel, Inconel, composites, etc.)
• Support RFQ/RFP reviews by:
o Review drawings for machining types
o Match suppliers to drawing requirements, quality requirements, volume and program needs
o Manufacturability concerns
o Process assumptions
o Cycle times and cost drivers
o Support PO Kickoffs and drawing reviews with the supplier
• Participate in source selection decisions as the machining technical authority

Supplier Development & Performance
• Identify capability gaps in supplier machining processes and recommend corrective actions
• Support suppliers with:
o Process improvements request that requires Lockheed attention
• Partner with Supplier Quality on:
o Root cause analysis (RCCA)
o Corrective action plans (CAPA)
o First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness

Cost, Risk & Manufacturability
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through:
o Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
o Alternate process recommendations
o Alternate source recommendations
o Make vs. buy analysis
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risk, including:
o Single-source machining processes
o Capacity constraints
o Obsolete or specialized equipment dependencies

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Act as the machining SME between:
o Engineering
o Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing
o Operations
o Quality
• Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies impacting suppliers
• Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews
• Virtual Capability Centers
• Integrated Product Teams

Continuous Improvement & Standards
• Help define and maintain:
o Machining capability standards
o Supplier technical requirements
o Best-practice guidelines
• Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier machining operations
• Mentor sourcing and quality teams on machining fundamentals
Basic Qualifications:
Technical Background
• 10+ years hands-on machining experience (shop floor, manufacturing engineering, or supplier technical role)
• Deep expertise in:
o CNC machining processes
o Tooling, fixturing, and programming concepts
o GD&T interpretation
o Aerospace/defense materials and specifications
• Experience supporting major aerospace or defense programs

Supply Chain & Supplier Experience
• Experience working directly with external machining suppliers
• Strong understanding of:
o Supplier audits and technical assessments
o Cost drivers in machining
o Production ramp-up and capacity planning

Soft Skills & Leadership
• Strong technical communication skills — able to translate complex machining topics for non-technical audiences
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving fact-based decisions
• Able to influence without direct authority
• Willing to travel to supplier sites (typically 25–50)
Desired Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Background in:
o New product introduction (NPI)
o Make/buy strategy
o Capability Center / COE models
• Experience supporting digital manufacturing, advanced machining, or automation initiatives
Clearance Level: None
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Full-time Remote Telework: The employee selected for this position will work remotely full time at a location other than a Lockheed Martin designated office/job site. Employees may travel to a Lockheed Martin office for periodic meetings.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $141,300 - $244,835. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as spanet and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $122,900 - $216,660. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as spanet and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the worlds most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: ENTERPRISE BUSINESS SERVICES
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Purchasing/Procurement/Supply Chain
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Background in:
o New product introduction (NPI)
o Make/buy strategy
o Capability Center / COE models
• Experience supporting digital manufacturing, advanced machining, or automation initiatives

Job Ident #: 93648525616

Company Details

Lockheed Martin

6801 Rockledge Dr
Bethesda, Maryland 20817 USA
www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/

Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in North...

Benefits:
TBD

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Job Info

Location

Fort Worth, Texas, United States

Type

Permanent

Company Details

Lockheed Martin

6801 Rockledge Dr
Bethesda, Maryland 20817 USA
www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/