Application Engineer

Role Summary

The Applications Engineer is responsible for hands-on demonstration of CNC machine capability, customer application validation, cycle-time proving, and technical feasibility support for sales. This role plays a direct role in order conversion by ensuring machining performance, process integrity, and technical commitments are accurate, achievable, and defensible.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, and manage CNC demo machines at the Tech Centre
• Conduct customer part prove-outs, machining trials, and test cuts
• Validate cycle time, accuracy, surface finish, and process repeatability within acceptable tolerances
• Ensure demo machines remain calibrated, properly tooled, and ready for customer demonstrations
• Develop machining process plans, tooling lists, and setup concepts
• Define cutting parameters, fixturing, workholding, and inspection approach
• Support Sales Engineers during RFQs, technical reviews, and customer meetings
• Validate application feasibility prior to quotation release to ensure technical commitments are achievable
• Provide technical leadership during sales meetings and customer presentations
• Clearly explain machine capabilities, process advantages, and application limits
• Address and counter competitor technical claims with data-driven justification
• Ensure all technical commitments accurately reflect real-world machine performance
• Train customers on machine operation, programming fundamentals, and best practices
• Support first-article trials and initial optimization following installation when required
• Ensure a clear and complete technical handover to the Service team
• Maintain application records, cutting data, demo results, and process documentation
• Document lessons learned from demos, trials, and customer applications
• Participate in technical review meetings and contribute improvement ideas

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Demo-to-order conversion rate
• Accuracy of cycle-time, process, and technical commitments
• RFP feasibility response time
• Demo machine uptime, readiness, and utilization
• Customer technical satisfaction and feedback

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent machining experience
• 5-12 years of hands-on CNC machining, setup, and programming experience
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, fixturing, and machining processes (turning, milling, multitasking, 5-axis preferred)
• Experience with Fanuc, Siemens, or similar CNC control platforms
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to customers and sales teams
• Comfortable working in a demo-driven, customer-facing technical sales environment

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Exposure to manufacturing and machining environments with hazards such as noise, electricity, chemicals, heavy equipment, and automated/manual machinery
• Physical demands include standing, walking, bending, machine setup, operating equipment, lifting/pushing/pulling tooling and fixtures, and periodic travel