CNC Production Engineer I

Novo Nordisk

CNC Production Engineer operating and programming CNC machines for API manufacturing. Ensuring quality and efficiency while supporting continuous improvement in production processes.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeClayton • North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform hands-on setup, operation, and program edits for CNC and manual machines producing components for API manufacturing, following controlled procedures and documentation practices.
Support process stability by performing first-article and in-process inspections, maintaining tooling and fixtures, and escalating process or quality issues to senior engineers.
Develop practical CAM skills in Fusion 360, learn regulatory and GMP requirements for product-contact parts, and contribute to continuous improvement activities.
Execute CNC programs and perform machine setups and changeovers per work orders and documented procedures.
Use Fusion 360 for CAM edits, program creation from approved templates and execute offline program verification where required.
Optimize machining processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability.
Develop, modify, and optimize CNC tool paths using CAM software.
Program parts from engineering drawings, 3D models, and physical samples.
Troubleshoot and refine CNC programs to resolve quality, tooling, or cycle-time issues.
Reverse engineer components using measurements, drawings, or physical samples to develop accurate CAD models and machining strategies.
Perform in-process and final quality checks using precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges) ensuring parts meet all dimensional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements and document results in accordance with local quality procedures.
Write, review, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to machining, programming, inspection, and maintenance.
Provide hands-on training and technical guidance to Novo Nordisk personnel on CNC machining, programming, setup, and inspection.
Perform minor CNC machine maintenance, including routine cleaning, lubrication, alignment checks, and basic troubleshooting.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (preferably in maintenance, mechanical, chemical, electrical, bio-process), or related field of study from an accredited university required and a minimum two (2) years of experience working directly in CNC machining and CNC programming, or other directly related field required
In lieu of BS Degree with two (2) years of experience, may consider an Associate Degree in Engineering (preferably in maintenance, mechanical, chemical, electrical, bio-process), or related field of study from an accredited college or university with a minimum of four (4) years of experience CNC machining and CNC programming required
In lieu of BS Degree with two (2) years of experience, may consider a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of six (6) years of experience CNC machining and CNC programming required
Proven knowledge in RCA, troubleshooting, problem resolution & continuous improvement preferred
Experience working in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment with cGMPs requirements or other regulated industry or manufacturing environment a plus
Practical knowledge in the following areas: mechanical systems operations, root cause analysis (RCA), reliability centered maintenance (RCM), & process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean Sigma) a plus
Experience with using records control systems (SAP, CMMS or similar system) a plus
Ability to read & understand equipment schematics, P&IDs, PFDs, wiring diagrams, CAD drawings & other specialized documentation required
Ability to independently apply engineering techniques & analysis within the discipline preferred
Strong project management skills a plus
Excellent oral & written communication skills preferred
Proven expertise in developing/planning/coordinating maintenance activities & following up on results preferred
Experienced in creating &/or revising work plans for complex problems being resolved by cross functional teams a plus
Practical experience programming or editing CAM code using Fusion 360 or similar CAM software preferred
Hands-on operation of Next Generation Control (NGC) with Visual Programming Systems CNC machines required
Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and interpreting engineering drawings preferred
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and basic GMP principles for pharmaceutical manufacturing and product-contact components preferred
Proficiency with common shop metrology tools and first-article inspection techniques required
Strong attention to detail, documentation, and ability to follow controlled procedures required
Experience machining components for pharmaceutical or medical device industries preferred
Solid understanding of machining metallurgy and tool selection for product-contact materials preferred
Training or certification in Lean manufacturing or basic problem-solving tools a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
Tuition Assistance
Life & Disability Insurance
Employee Referral Awards

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

CNC machiningCNC programmingCAM programmingFusion 360root cause analysis (RCA)geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)first-article inspectionmachining metallurgytool selectionprocess improvement methodologies

Soft Skills

problem resolutionproject managementattention to detailcommunication skillstechnical guidancecontinuous improvementindependent analysistrainingteam coordinationdocumentation

Certifications

Bachelor's Degree in EngineeringAssociate Degree in EngineeringHigh School DiplomaLean manufacturing certificationSix Sigma certificationbasic problem-solving tools certification