Principal Engineer (Process)
First seen by Alion on Nov 4, 2026.
Key Responsibilities
· Serve as Cragar's senior technical authority for CNC machining processes.
· Develop robust machining strategies for complex, tight-tolerance components.
· Provide expert guidance on milling, turning, mill-turn, tooling and workholding.
· Review difficult drawings and recommend manufacturable process routes.
· Lead resolution of recurring technical, dimensional and process-capability problems.
· Optimise cutting conditions, setup methods, cycle times and tool life.
· Support new machine, tooling and manufacturing-technology evaluations.
· Develop standard machining practices and transfer knowledge to engineers and machinists.
· Lead technical support for NPI, prototypes and challenging customer requirements.
· Partner with Quality to improve capability of critical dimensions and reduce variation.
· Mentor engineering and production teams in advanced machining problem solving.
Job Requirements
· Diploma or equivalent technical qualification is acceptable where advanced CNC capability is proven.
· Minimum 3 years of relevant experience; substantially deeper hands-on CNC experience is preferred for this principal-level role.
· Highly proficient in CNC milling/turning and complex machining-process development.
· Strong command of drawings, GD&T, tooling, workholding and process optimisation.
Provenability to solve difficult machining problems and mentor technical teams.
Skills
Process Capability, Mechanical Cutting, Tolerance Analysis, System Setup, installation of computers, Vertical turning, Milling, Tooling, Machining, Pro/Engineer, Engineering, equipment life cycle, CNC Manufacturing, Technical Leadership, Production Drawings, CNC Programming