Applications Engineer - CNC Machine Tools

Applications Engineer CNC Machine Tools (USA)



Location: USA Tech Centre (occasional customer site visits)



Reports To: Zone Head / Tech Centre Head



Functional Coordination: Sales Engineers



Schedule: Monday Friday, Core Business Hours



Travel: Variable (Tech Centre based; occasional customer visits)



FLSA Status: Exempt (confirm if hourly/non-exempt is preferred)

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.
This is a shop-floor, demo-driven technical role requiring strong machining, programming, and customer-facing skills.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Customer Training & Handover
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.

5) 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.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

Demo-to-order conversion rate
Accuracy of cycle-time, process, and technical commitments
RFQ 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.