Associate Process Engineer Jobs in Dover, PA (NOW HIRING)

At York Precision Machining and Hydraulics, we believe in fostering a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and work-life balance. We celebrate our successes together and support each other's growth through a four-day workweek, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development. Join us in building a community that prioritizes camaraderie and excellence, where integrity, quality, and employee well-being are at the forefront of everything we do.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer role supports the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of machining processes used to produce high‑precision components. This role is ideal for an engineer with hands‑on exposure to CNC machining, metalworking, or manufacturing environments who is ready to take ownership of process improvements and technical problem‑solving. The Manufacturing Engineer will collaborate closely with machinists, quality, CNC programming, project management and engineering to ensure reliable, efficient, and repeatable production.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization — Define processing steps required to manufacture components. Analyze and refine machining processes (CNC milling, turning, honing, EDM) to improve efficiency, tool life, and part quality.
• Tooling & Fixturing — Design fixtures to support precision machining operations and assist in the selection of cutting tools and workholding.
• CNC Support — Support CNC programmer and machinists by collaborating on programs, generating CNC programs, validating programs, optimizing feeds/speeds, and troubleshooting machining issues on the shop floor.
• Production Scheduling – Develop and maintain work center schedules aligning internal capacity with material deliveries, outside processing lead times, and customer delivery requirements to ensure on-time delivery and efficient capacity utilization.
• Continuous Improvement — Lead or support Lean and Six Sigma initiatives focused on reducing scrap, minimizing variation, and improving throughput.
• Root Cause Analysis — Investigate dimensional issues, tool failures, and process deviations using structured problem‑solving methods and implement corrective actions.
• First Article Development — Support the development of first article prototypes, process validation, and the transition to full production with reliable quality results.
• Documentation — Create and maintain process documentation, setup sheets, and work instructions. Review and approve work order travelers.
• Quality Collaboration — Partner with engineers and inspectors to interpret GD&T, address nonconformances, and ensure processes meet tolerance requirements.
• Safety & Compliance — Ensure manufacturing processes follow safety standards and meet ISO 9001 and customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field (preferred but not strictly required with equivalent experience).
• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, involving CNC machining or precision metalworking.
• Experience with CNC programming (G‑code, CAM software).
• Familiarity with machining fundamentals, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and GD&T.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on approach.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods.
• Experience with quality systems and measurement tools (CMM, micrometers, height gauges).
• Experience with NX CAM software.
• Knowledge of machining high strength alloy steels.

Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and ability to troubleshoot machining issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Collaborative mindset with shop‑floor presence and ability to adapt to feedback from machinists and quality inspectors.
• Willingness to learn and deploy new machining techniques.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Ability to balance speed with precision in a high‑mix, low‑volume environment.