CNC Machining Process Engineer

Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia

Term: Full-Time, Permanent

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Type: In Office

Full transparency: we work a little differently around here.

This isn’t just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that’s just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don’t just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you’d want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

https://workdifferently.info/

About Us

Established in 2001, Protocase Inc. is a rapidly expanding company that focuses on combining advances in software with innovative manufacturing techniques to offer unique custom manufacturing to the engineering, design, and research industries. Using the expertise and dedication of 400+ employees (and counting), Protocase is proud to have a client base of more than 16,000 customers throughout North America and around the globe. Customers include Boeing, L3, Raytheon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, NASA, MIT and many more. We are proudly ISO:9001 certified and AS9100D registered, as well as ITAR compliant and registered with Canadian Controlled Goods.

At Protocase, we’re on a rapid growth curve, and we’re looking for driven individuals to help us accelerate. We’re not just another manufacturing company. Our entire business model is built around rethinking custom manufacturing by replacing the craft aspect with well-thought-out, repeatable processes. This approach allows us to deliver the highest-quality parts to our customers in just 2-3 days. Our customers are engineers, scientists and innovators, including Google, Apple, NASA, Tesla, and more! Our team is dedicated, innovative, and always looking for ways to improve. With us, your work will make a significant impact, helping to shape the future of manufacturing.

www.protocase.com

Important: This is not a traditional CNC Machinist position.

This role focuses on improving how machining is done across the company—not owning individual machining jobs from start to finish. We're looking for someone who can analyze, troubleshoot, and improve the processes used to create machining plans, tooling strategies, and production methods for others. If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement, this could be the role for you.

About The Opportunity

Be at the forefront of innovation by experimenting, analyzing, and improving CNC machining processes that directly impact production across the company.

What You'll Do

• Identify inefficiencies in machining processes and develop practical, scalable solutions
• Design and execute machining experiments to evaluate tooling, strategies, programming approaches, and process improvements
• Operate CNC mills (including 5-axis machines) to test and validate new ideas in a hands-on environment
• Analyze machining outcomes and production data to identify root causes and improvement opportunities
• Develop and improve machining standards, best practices, and process guidelines used across the organization
• Collaborate with machinists, programmers, engineers, and leadership to implement process improvements
• Translate findings into clear, repeatable processes that improve quality, efficiency, and consistency
• Balance precision, speed, manufacturability, and practicality when developing machining solutions
• Document experiments, results, and learnings to build organizational knowledge and support continuous improvement
  
  

About You

Our ideal candidate is a curious, hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys improving systems, processes, and outcomes through experimentation and collaboration.

Education

• Machining diploma, trade certification, engineering technology diploma, or equivalent hands-on experience
  
  

Required Experience

• 3+ years of CNC machining experience
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting machining processes and identifying root causes of production issues
• Experience improving machining processes, tooling strategies, cycle times, quality, or productivity
• Experience independently solving technical machining challenges
• Experience working with engineering, programming, or manufacturing teams to implement improvements
  
  

Skills

• Strong proficiency in CNC machining, including 5-axis milling
• Experience with G-code programming and CAM software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to evaluate data and make evidence-based decisions
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for innovation
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Hands-on approach with the ability to test and validate ideas on the shop floor
  
  

Assets (Nice-to-Have)

• Experience with lathes and CMMs
• Experience in aerospace, medical, or other precision manufacturing industries
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles
• Experience designing, executing, and documenting process improvement or machining trials
• Experience applying structured problem-solving or experimental methods to manufacturing challenges
  
  

Why us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.

Our starting annual total compensation package—including base salary and performance incentives—ranges from $55,000 to $85,000 depending on experience.

In Addition, You Can Look Forward To

Training and Growth: Leadership Training and skills development opportunities, as well as regular coaching and opportunity for growth.

Comprehensive Health Care Plan and Company RRSP: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Group Insurance benefits as well as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan at 6 months of full time employment.

Community Discounts: Enjoy discounts at local shops and restaurants.

YMCA Membership: Access a cost-shared YMCA membership and a Pension Plan after three months of employment.

Vacation: Two weeks of vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years, and four weeks after five years.

Social Events: Regular social events, including seasonal parties and monthly lunches.

Lifestyle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Live in a community with quick commutes, affordable homes on generous plots of land, beautiful scenery, and friendly people—a lifestyle that marries nature with a vibrant culture.