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

• Demo & Application Proving

  • 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.

• Process & Technical Support

  • 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.

• Sales Enablement

  • 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.

• Sales Enablement

  • 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.

• Documentation & Discipline

  • 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.

Requirements

• 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.