Application Engineer

Location: Huntersville, NC

About the role

In this role you will engage with new and current customers to develop innovative metal additive manufacturing solutions and prepare technical responses and proposals for new opportunities. This Application Engineer maintains technical ownership of customer opportunities and collaborates closely with Business Development, Program Management, Engineering, and Operations to deliver profitable business growth across the aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other advanced technology markets.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with key customers to evaluate metal components for additive manufacturing and develop optimized solutions that meet performance, cost, and production requirements.
• Lead technical engagement with customers to develop detailed quotations, proposals, and business cases for additive manufacturing opportunities.
• Interface directly with the Commercial Team (Business Development, Program Management, Application Engineering, and Customer Service) to identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities.
• Support the development and negotiation of quotations, proposals, contracts, and customer agreements in coordination with appropriate Oerlikon stakeholders.
• Understand program profitability and work with the Commercial Team to adjust pricing, scope, or commercial terms as needed to achieve business objectives.
• Facilitate the successful transition of customer opportunities to Engineering and Operations by aligning teams on project scope, deliverables, manufacturing strategy, outsourcing requirements, routing, and schedule requirements.
• Maintain strong customer relationships throughout program execution by addressing technical issues, providing ongoing support, and identifying opportunities for additional business.
• Serve as the voice of the customer within the organization, ensuring customer requirements and expectations are effectively communicated to internal stakeholders.

Report directly to the Head of Commercial.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, material science, or closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of proven experience in metal additive manufacturing.
• Aerospace and Defense experience preferred.
• Strategic mindset and outcome-oriented.
• Self-driven, open, and positive mindset.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for customer meetings, conferences, and exhibitions (approx. 10%).
• Knowledge of metal additive manufacturing, machining, heat treatment, and inspection.
• Experience working in an ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100 certified facility.
• Experience in reading and interpreting specifications, statements of work, and part drawings.
• Strong customer orientation and experience.
• Highly motivated, self-driven, open, and positive mindset.
• Able to work with minimal supervision.

In compliance with U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company-sponsored HSA contributions, and no cumbersome waiting periods.
• Excellent dental and vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial, and Wellness programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options.
• Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources.
• Generous paid time off to support physical and mental wellbeing.
• 10 observed company holidays and 2 floaters.
• 100% company-paid life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee Referral Bonus program.

All benefits are available on the first day of employment.

About Us

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment, and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors, and tooling. Headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with around 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.