CAD- Cam Engineer

The CAD-CAM Engineer translates customer and engineering requirements into practical manufacturing solutions.

The role develops / Modifies 3D CAD models, Manufacturing information and CAM programs, while working closely with shopfloor colleagues to resolve problems, improve processes and ensure products are manufactured right first time.

The CAD-CAM Engineer supports the product through manufacture, ensuring engineering information is accurate, practical and meets customer requirements.

Key Accountabilities: CAD Design & Manufacturing Engineering

• Develop, modify and maintain accurate 2D drawings and 3D CAD models from customer and engineering requirements.
• Review designs for manufacturability, identifying opportunities to simplify manufacture, improve quality and reduce waste.
• Ensure manufacturing requirements are clearly understood and correctly communicated.
• Provide practical manufacturing input using engineering knowledge and shopfloor feedback.

CAM Programming & Manufacturing Information

• Develop, validate and optimise CAM programs across applicable manufacturing processes.
• Select appropriate tooling, parameters, toolpaths, nesting strategies and manufacturing methods.
• Verify programs before release to ensure safe, accurate and repeatable manufacture.
• Provide clear and accurate manufacturing information required by Production.

Collaboration & Production Support

• Work collaboratively with Production, NPI, Projects, Planning, Quality, HSE and Engineering to support successful manufacture.
• Build strong relationships with shopfloor colleagues, using their knowledge and feedback to solve problems and improve processes.
• Be visible within manufacturing areas, supporting new products, first-off manufacture, engineering changes and production issues.
• Act as the technical link between customer requirements and manufacturing.
• Share knowledge and ensure agreed improvements are captured within engineering and manufacturing information.

Product, Process & Continuous Improvement

• Take ownership of assigned engineering work through to successful manufacture.
• Understand the complete manufacturing route and consider the impact of engineering decisions on downstream processes.
• Work with the people completing the process to solve problems and identify practical improvements.
• Identify technical risks early and communicate concerns before they impact Production or customer delivery.
• Use lessons learned to improve safety, quality, delivery, manufacturability and engineering processes.
• Identify and support improvements in CAD-CAM technology and manufacturing methods.

Quality & Engineering Control

• Take responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of engineering information released to Production.
• Complete appropriate checks and verification before releasing drawings, programs and manufacturing information.
• Respond to engineering errors and production concerns, identifying causes and implementing improvements.
• Maintain accurate and controlled CAD models, drawings, CAM programs and manufacturing documentation.
• Ensure engineering changes are correctly controlled, communicated and recorded.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

• Relevant engineering qualification, apprenticeship or equivalent practical manufacturing experience.
• Experience using 3D CAD and/or CAD-CAM systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of sheet-metal manufacturing and fabrication processes.
• Experience of developing manufacturing information and CNC/CAM programs.
• Practical understanding of processes such as laser cutting, punching, bending, machining, fabrication and assembly.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, tolerances, materials and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor, RADAN, TecZone, or similar CAD-CAM systems would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of manufacturing ERP/MRP systems and engineering change control would be advantageous.

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Excellent IT Skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• The ability to explain design ideas clearly.
• Strong decision making skills.