Manufacturing Design Engineer – Metal Fabrication
Location: Newport News, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Contract-to-Permanent
Shift: Day Shift | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM EST
Compensation: Starting at $30/hour+, depending on experience
About the Role
A growing manufacturing operation is seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer to support sheet metal fabrication and production engineering activities. This position will work closely with manufacturing personnel, engineering staff, and project stakeholders to improve production flow, support CNC operations, and optimize product designs for fabrication.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering within a fast-paced industrial environment.
### Primary Responsibilities
Develop and revise mechanical designs for sheet metal manufacturing applications
Support CNC programming activities for fabrication equipment including laser systems, turret punches, press brakes, and panel bending machinery
Review product designs and identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, efficiency, and production cost
Assist with troubleshooting fabrication and production issues on the manufacturing floor
Maintain engineering documentation, drawing revisions, and change management records
Coordinate with internal departments regarding design updates, production requirements, and engineering support needs
Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and workflow optimization
Provide technical support to manufacturing teams as needed
### Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
Experience using CAD software in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
Solid understanding of geometry, measurements, and engineering calculations
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Comfortable working in a deadline-driven manufacturing setting
Interest in sheet metal fabrication processes and CNC manufacturing technologies
### Preferred Experience
SolidWorks experience preferred
Exposure to CNC programming or fabrication equipment is a plus
Prior experience in sheet metal manufacturing environments preferred
Familiarity with production-focused engineering and design-for-manufacturing principles
