Application Engineer

Position Overview

An established, growing industrial machinery group is seeking an Applications Engineer to support its advanced CNC punching and bending equipment. This is an exciting opportunity to join a close-knit U.S. team, work with cutting-edge technology, and play a key role in a new showroom and customer training center.

You’ll combine hands-on machine expertise, customer training, and technical problem-solving while working closely with sales and service teams. The role also offers opportunities to expand your knowledge of additional metal fabrication equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Train customer operators and programmers on CNC punching and bending equipment at customer facilities.
• Conduct live machine demonstrations and training sessions at the Elgin showroom.
• Review customer drawings, recommend tooling setups, and evaluate part feasibility.
• Perform time studies to determine cycle times and demonstrate machine capabilities.
• Support customers through machine installation, startup, and early production.
• Collaborate with sales and service teams to provide technical expertise and improve customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• 1–2+ years of relevant experience in applications engineering, CNC punching, press brakes, bending, or related CNC equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand tooling setups and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to train individuals with varying levels of technical experience.
• Willingness to travel approximately 12–15+ times per year for customer installations and training.
• Comfortable working on-site in Elgin, IL when not traveling.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience operating or programming CNC punching, bending, laser, or machining equipment.
• Experience with copper or aluminum busbar and flat bar processing.
• Background in CAD/CAM, time studies, or process improvement.
• Degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive compensation: $28–$42+/hour, plus performance-based incentives.
• Growing team: Join an expanding North American operation with strong technical support and visibility.
• Hands-on technology: Work directly with advanced, all-electric CNC punching and bending machinery.
• Variety and ownership: Combine machine operation, customer interaction, technical problem-solving, and demonstrations.
• Career growth: Expand your expertise across multiple types of advanced metal fabrication equipment.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, with customer travel typically Monday and Friday and on-site training Tuesday–Thursday.