Ford Motor Company

Virtual Machining Engineer(CAPP)

Ford Motor Company  •  Chennai, IN (Onsite)  •  20 hours ago
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Job Description

Key Responsibilities

  1. Process Planning for Machining Components
  • Develop detailed machining process plans for powertrain prismatic parts
  • Define machining sequence, operation grouping, fixturing strategy, and datum selection in line with GD&T requirements.
  • Select appropriate machine tools, cutting tools, and process parameters for each operation.
  1. Cycle Time Estimation & Machine/Resource Planning
  • Estimate cycle times for each machining operation using standard time-study methods and CAM simulation data.
  • Calculate the number of machines/stations required to meet given production volumes (takt time analysis, OEE considerations).
  • Support capacity planning and line balancing studies for new programs.
  1. Toolpath Generation and Validation
  • Generate toolpaths (roughing, semi-finishing, finishing) in NX CAM for milling, turning, drilling, and other machining operations.
  • Perform toolpath simulation and collision/gouge checks to validate feasibility prior to shop floor deployment.
  • Optimize toolpaths for surface finish, tool life, and cycle time reduction.
  1. Drawing & Documentation Evaluation
  • Review and evaluate tool design drawings, fixture drawings, and process sheets for accuracy and manufacturability.
  • Validate process sheets against component drawings, GD&T, and process capability requirements.
  • Provide feedback/DFM (Design for Manufacturability) inputs to design teams.
  1. CAD/CAM Automation Project Delivery
  • Design, develop, and deploy CAD/CAM automation solutions (knowledge-based engineering, NX Open, VB.NET/C#/Python scripting) to streamline process planning and programming workflows.
  • Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual programming effort and improve first-time-right toolpath generation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and deliver measurable productivity improvements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's/Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Production, or Tool Engineering.
  • 6+ years of experience in CAD/CAM, process planning, or virtual machining.
  • Strong hands-on expertise in Siemens NX CAM (mandatory); familiarity with other CAM systems (Mastercam, CATIA CAM, Vericut) is a plus.
  • Sound knowledge of machining processes (milling, turning, drilling, boring), cutting tool technology, and fixture design principles.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T, process sheet/route sheet preparation, and tooling drawings.
  • Experience with cycle time estimation methods and capacity/machine planning.

Preferred Skills

  • Proficiency in NX Open API, Python, VB.NET, or C# for CAD/CAM automation.
  • Strong NX CAD, NXCAM and AutoCAD knowledge.
  • Strong working knowledge of Teamcenter AWC.
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing, takt time, and OEE concepts.
  • Experience working with global manufacturing engineering teams in an automotive or heavy engineering environment.

Key Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Attention to detail in drawing/process validation.
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration (Design, Manufacturing, Quality)
  • Project management and ability to deliver automation initiatives independently.
  • Continuous improvement mindset.
  1. Process Planning for Machining Components
  • Develop detailed machining process plans for powertrain prismatic parts
  • Define machining sequence, operation grouping, fixturing strategy, and datum selection in line with GD&T requirements.
  • Select appropriate machine tools, cutting tools, and process parameters for each operation.
  1. Cycle Time Estimation & Machine/Resource Planning
  • Estimate cycle times for each machining operation using standard time-study methods and CAM simulation data.
  • Calculate the number of machines/stations required to meet given production volumes (takt time analysis, OEE considerations).
  • Support capacity planning and line balancing studies for new programs.
  1. Toolpath Generation and Validation
  • Generate toolpaths (roughing, semi-finishing, finishing) in NX CAM for milling, turning, drilling, and other machining operations.
  • Perform toolpath simulation and collision/gouge checks to validate feasibility prior to shop floor deployment.
  • Optimize toolpaths for surface finish, tool life, and cycle time reduction.
  1. Drawing & Documentation Evaluation
  • Review and evaluate tool design drawings, fixture drawings, and process sheets for accuracy and manufacturability.
  • Validate process sheets against component drawings, GD&T, and process capability requirements.
  • Provide feedback/DFM (Design for Manufacturability) inputs to design teams.
  1. CAD/CAM Automation Project Delivery
  • Design, develop, and deploy CAD/CAM automation solutions (knowledge-based engineering, NX Open, VB.NET/C#/Python scripting) to streamline process planning and programming workflows.
  • Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual programming effort and improve first-time-right toolpath generation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and deliver measurable productivity improvements.
  • Bachelor's/Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Production, or Tool Engineering.
  • 6+ years of experience in CAD/CAM, process planning, or virtual machining (experience range adjustable per level).
  • Strong hands-on expertise in Siemens NX CAM (mandatory); familiarity with other CAM systems (Mastercam, CATIA CAM, Vericut) is a plus.
  • Sound knowledge of machining processes (milling, turning, drilling, boring), cutting tool technology, and fixture design principles.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T, process sheet/route sheet preparation, and tooling drawings.
  • Experience with cycle time estimation methods and capacity/machine planning.
Ford Motor Company

About Ford Motor Company

We don't just make history -- we make the future. Ford put the world on wheels over a century ago, and our teams are re-inventing icons and creating groundbreaking connected and electric vehicles for the next century. We believe in serving our customers, our communities, and the world. If you do, too, come move the world and make the future with us.

Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.

Privacy Policy: https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/

Industry
Automotive & Mobility
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Dearborn, Michigan
Year Founded
Unknown
Website
ford.com
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