Standard Job Description
The CNC Machining Capability Project Engineer is the technical person for evaluating, selecting, and developing external machining suppliers for complex CNC milling and turning operations (3‑ to 5‑axis). In addition to deep technical expertise, this role requires strong business acumen—the ability to translate capability data into strategic sourcing decisions that drive cost savings, revenue protection, and market competitiveness.
This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Quality, and Operations to evaluate machining capabilities, resolve technical issues, reduce cost and risk, and ensure suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and performance requirements.This position bridges the gap between engineering intent and supplier execution, providing hands-on machining expertise to support supplier selection, development, and ongoing performance.
Supplier Technical Evaluation & Selection
• Lead technical assessments of machining suppliers, including:
o CNC milling/turning (3–5 axis)
o Complex tolerances & GD&T
o Materials (aluminum, titanium, steel, Inconel, composites, etc.)
• Support RFQ/RFP reviews by:
o Review drawings for machining types
o Match suppliers to drawing requirements, quality requirements, volume and program needs
o Manufacturability concerns
o Process assumptions
o Cycle times and cost drivers
o Support PO Kickoffs and drawing reviews with the supplier
• Participate in source selection decisions as the machining technical authority
Supplier Development & Performance
• Identify capability gaps in supplier machining processes and recommend corrective actions
• Support suppliers with:
o Process improvements request that requires Lockheed attention
• Partner with Supplier Quality on:
o Root cause analysis (RCCA)
o Corrective action plans (CAPA)
o First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness
Cost, Risk & Manufacturability
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through:
o Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
o Alternate process recommendations
o Alternate source recommendations
o Make vs. buy analysis
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risk, including:
o Single-source machining processes
o Capacity constraints
o Obsolete or specialized equipment dependencies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Act as the machining SME between:
o Engineering
o Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing
o Operations
o Quality
• Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies impacting suppliers
• Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews
• Virtual Capability Centers
• Integrated Product Teams
Continuous Improvement & Standards
• Help define and maintain:
o Machining capability standards
o Supplier technical requirements
o Best-practice guidelines
• Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier machining operations
• Mentor sourcing and quality teams on machining fundamentals
Basic Qualifications
Technical Background
• 10+ years hands-on machining experience (shop floor, manufacturing engineering, or supplier technical role)
• Deep expertise in:
o CNC machining processes
o Tooling, fixturing, and programming concepts
o GD&T interpretation
o Aerospace/defense materials and specifications
• Experience supporting major aerospace or defense programs
Supply Chain & Supplier Experience
• Experience working directly with external machining suppliers
• Strong understanding of:
o Supplier audits and technical assessments
o Cost drivers in machining
o Production ramp-up and capacity planning
Soft Skills & Leadership
• Strong technical communication skills — able to translate complex machining topics for non-technical audiences
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving fact-based decisions
• Able to influence without direct authority
• Willing to travel to supplier sites (typically 25–50%)
Desired Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Background in:
o New product introduction (NPI)
o Make/buy strategy
o Capability Center / COE models
• Experience supporting digital manufacturing, advanced machining, or automation initiatives |
Pay Information
GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $161300.00 - $299500.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): $145100.00 - $269500.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): $129000.00 - $239600.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas–Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): $116100.00 - $215700.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Lufkin, TX; etc.
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.
Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
