Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

American Fan is a manufacturer of air movement equipment for Industrial, HVAC, Commercial, Marine, and specialty markets. Throughout our history, the quality and reliability of our products has been built upon a solid foundation of unrivaled application expertise and technical leadership. As a small manufacturer who is part of a well-respected international corporation, we are best known for our willingness to design and manufacture specialty air movement products for unique applications. Our sales distribution base consists of a diverse group of knowledgeable agents/representatives. Together with our in-house sales staff they deliver a very high level of customer service.

Job Description

Job Title: CNC Programmer             

Reports To: Manufacturing Manager  

American Fan is looking for a skilled professional with a manufacturing engineering mindset who thrives in a hands-on, action-oriented position. Combining advanced CNC programming expertise with direct involvement in shop floor operations, this position focuses on optimizing material usage, scheduling CNC machine workloads, and ensuring accurate material certification (CMTR) traceability. Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the role requires technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and active collaboration with schedulers and shop floor teams to meet production goals, maintain compliance, and uphold high-quality standards. It’s a dynamic position that bridges the gap between engineering and daily production operations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Create high-efficiency 2D nesting layouts using CAD/CAM software to maximize material utilization and minimize waste.
• Program CNC cutting machines (laser, plasma, waterjet, punch) by generating accurate G-code and configuring cutting parameters.
• Convert 3D models into precise flat 2D files, applying accurate bend deductions and allowances.
• Review and clean CAD files to eliminate geometry errors before production.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure CNC programs meet quality, precision, and efficiency standards.
• Use PEP software to plan and optimize CNC machine schedules, aligning with production timelines and delivery goals.
• Work with schedulers to integrate machine schedules into overall production plans, ensuring efficiency and meeting deadlines.
• Sequence and dispatch CNC work orders, optimizing throughput and minimizing downtime.
• Run nesting simulations to provide material usage and cycle-time data for production planning.
• Adjust CNC machine schedules in real-time to prioritize urgent jobs, handle delays, or address bottlenecks.
• Act as the liaison between production scheduling and shop floor operations to ensure smooth execution of schedules.
• Own and manage the CMTR process, ensuring all materials are certified and fully traceable.
• Maintain accurate CMTR records to meet Navy, vendor, and customer requirements.
• Ensure material traceability through inventory, nesting, cut parts, remnants, and completed jobs, with records ready for audits.
• Collaborate with quality and procurement teams to ensure compliance with all standards.
• Resolve real-time production challenges on the shop floor, including CNC programming, scheduling conflicts, or material availability.
• Provide hands-on support to ensure machines run efficiently and programs are executed accurately.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Troubleshoot CNC programming, nesting, and machine operation issues to maintain productivity and quality.
• Embody FMD Core Values of Integrity, Velocity and Teamwork

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• 2–4 years of CNC programming and machine scheduling experience in a fabrication environment with hands-on shop floor involvement.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SigmaNEST, ProNest, AutoCAD, SolidWorks), PEP software, and ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, JobBOSS, SAP).
• Expertise in G-code programming, blueprint reading, GD&T, and material nesting optimization.
• Strong knowledge of CMTR requirements, traceability, and compliance with Navy, vendor, and customer standards.
• High School Diploma/GED and CNC Programming certification required; AS degree in a related technical field preferred.
• Skilled in collaborating with schedulers, shop floor teams, and engineering to align machine schedules with deadlines.
• Comfortable working on the shop floor, troubleshooting, and providing real-time solutions to maintain production flow.
• Proficient in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities