Senior Thread Roll Engineer
RBC Bearings

We are seeking a Senior Thread Roll Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the company's primary technical authority for thread-forming processes across our aerospace fastener product lines. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer with deep hands-on experience in Reed thread-rolling machines, cylindrical dies, flat dies, and fillet-roll operations.

You will lead the modernization, optimization, and troubleshooting of all thread-rolling operations, ensuring world-class capability, repeatability, and throughput. As a senior technical resource, you will mentor engineers and operators, drive process innovation, and support New Product Introduction (NPI) with advanced thread-forming expertise.

This is a high-impact role that directly influences product quality, mechanical performance, and manufacturing efficiency for critical aerospace and defense hardware.

Key Responsibilities

1. Thread-Rolling Process Ownership

a. Serve as the subject-matter expert for all thread-forming processes, including:

b. Reed two-die cylindrical thread-rolling machines

c. Fillet-roll operations for under-head radii

d. Flat-die thread rolling

e. Specialized rolling for high-strength alloys (MP35N, MP159, A286, Inconel)

f. Develop, validate, and optimize rolling parameters, die geometries, and setups to achieve maximum tool life and process capability.

2. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

a. Lead Six Sigma, SPC, and Lean initiatives specifically targeting thread-roll throughput, scrap reduction, and die-life improvement.

b. Implement advanced process controls, including capability studies, load-monitoring systems, and in-process inspection strategies.

c. Introduce new technologies, automation concepts, and modern Reed machine upgrades.

3. NPI & Engineering Support

a. Partner with NPI engineering to define thread-forming strategies for new fastener designs.

b. Review customer drawings for manufacturability, GD&T compliance, and thread-form feasibility.

c. Create and maintain detailed MPIs, setup sheets, and tooling specifications for all thread-rolling operations.

4. Shop-Floor Leadership

a. Provide high-level troubleshooting support for operators and supervisors.

b. Lead MRB investigations related to thread geometry, surface finish, fillet-roll defects, and mechanical property failures.

c. Train operators and junior engineers on best practices, die handling, and machine setup.

5. Tooling & Die Engineering

a. Design and specify thread-rolling dies, fillet-roll dies, and supporting tooling.

b. Collaborate with die vendors to refine die geometry, coatings, and heat-treat specifications.

c. Manage die-life tracking, failure analysis, and continuous improvement cycles.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering. In lieu of a degree, candidates with 15+ years of aerospace fastener or precision-manufacturing experience will be considered, provided they currently hold, and can demonstrate, an engineering level role by trade.

2. Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in aerospace fastener thread-rolling, including Reed machines and fillet-roll operations.

3. Strong understanding of:

a. GD&T and aerospace blueprint interpretation

b. Thread-form geometry (UNJ, MJ, UNR, custom forms)

c. Mechanical properties and cold-working effects

d. Precision metrology (optical comparators, thread gages, profilometers)

4. Experience with CNC machining, forging, and heat-treat interactions with thread-forming.

5. Proficiency with SolidWorks or CATIA for modeling and tooling design.

6. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Syteline preferred).

7. Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives.

Preferred Experience

1. Expertise with high-strength alloys such as MP35N, MP159, Wasp Aloy, Armet and Inconel.

2. Prior leadership of a thread-roll department, engineering group or high-precision forming cell.

3. Experience integrating automation or digital monitoring into legacy Reed machines.

4. Strong background in die-failure analysis and die-life extension strategies.

Compliance & Physical Requirements

1. Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) per ITAR regulations.

2. Ability to work in both office and shop-floor environments; occasional lifting of 10-20 lbs.; ability to stand for extended periods.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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