Application Engineer - Advanced Milling

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Regional Sales Managers and Account Managers throughout the sales cycle.
• Evaluate customer part prints, models, manufacturing requirements, and production objectives.
• Recommend machine tool solutions, automation systems, tooling packages, and workholding strategies.
• Conduct customer visits to assess manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Deliver technical presentations to customers and prospects regarding machining capabilities and process solutions.
• Aid in machine tool quotations by providing cycle times, process recommendations, and technical specifications.

Demonstrations and Process Development

• Create complete machining processes, including tooling selection, fixturing concepts, machining strategies, and cycle time analysis.
• Program CNC milling machines using CAM software and machine controls.
• Optimize machining parameters to improve cycle times, surface finish, tool life, and overall productivity.
• Conduct prove-outs and validation testing of customer applications.
• Document demonstration results and provide detailed process recommendations.

Advanced Milling Expertise

• Develop machining strategies for: 3-Axis, 4-Axis, and 5-Axis CNC milling, High-speed machining (HSM), High-efficiency milling (HEM), Dynamic toolpath strategies, Complex contouring and surfacing, Multi-sided machining, Lights-out and automated production environments.
• Apply advanced knowledge of cutting tool technologies, toolpath optimization, and machining dynamics.
• Support machining of complex materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, hardened steels, aluminum alloys, composites, and medical-grade materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve spindle utilization, tool life, and machine performance.

Installation and Customer Training

• Support machine acceptance testing and customer runoff activities.
• Absorb customers during machine implementation and process startup.
• Conduct operator, programmer, and manufacturing engineer training.
• Provide best-practice recommendations for machine operation and maintenance.
• Support post-installation process improvements and productivity enhancements.

Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with Product Management to evaluate new machine tool technologies and applications.
• Work closely with Service Engineers to resolve technical issues affecting machining performance.
• Assist Marketing with technical content, case studies, videos, trade shows, and customer events.
• Share technical knowledge and mentor junior Applications Engineers.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive machining experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, or process development.
• Extensive experience with advanced CNC milling operations.
• Experience developing machining processes for production environments.
• Machine tool industry experience strongly preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50–70% throughout assigned territory and customer locations.
• Occasional overnight and weekend travel required for demonstrations, installations, trade shows, and customer support activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in manufacturing and machine shop environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during demonstrations and customer visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to safely operate machine tools and related equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Paid time off
• Education Assistance
• 401(k) Plan
• Great opportunity for career growth