Application Engineer

Position Summary

Process Development and Optimization

• Develop, test, and refine grinding processes for CNC precision grinding machines to achieve customer specifications for accuracy, quality, and performance.
• Create and optimize CNC programs, macros, and parametric code to support machine functionality and process requirements.
• Evaluate grinding results and implement process improvements to enhance repeatability, efficiency, and cycle times.

CNC Programming and Automation

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code programs for grinding, probing, turning, tool changes, and related machine functions.
• Utilize Fanuc CNC controls and associated software tools to optimize machine performance.
• Support the development of machine user interfaces, automation features, and data collection systems as needed.

Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration

• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Design Engineering teams to translate application requirements into functional machine processes.
• Ensure grinding processes and CNC programs are properly integrated with machine design, controls, and automation systems.
• Participate in engineering reviews and provide technical input to improve machine functionality, reliability, and overall application performance.

Machine Testing and Validation

• Support machine runoffs, acceptance testing, and process validation to ensure equipment meets established performance requirements.
• Conduct application testing, analyze grinding results, and troubleshoot issues involving machine performance, programming, tooling, and process parameters.
• Implement necessary programming and process adjustments to achieve customer specifications before machine delivery and acceptance.

Customer Support and Training

• Provide applications engineering support during machine assembly, installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Train customers on grinding processes, CNC programming techniques, and machine operation.
• Work with customers, sales, and service teams to resolve application-related challenges and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
• Communicate technical information clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Sales and Proposal Support

• Assist sales and applications teams with technical evaluations, application feasibility assessments, and machine configuration recommendations.
• Develop process estimates, cycle-time studies, and tooling recommendations to support customer proposals.
• Contribute to machine layout reviews and preliminary application planning to ensure proposed solutions align with customer requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve grinding performance, process efficiency, machine reliability, and customer outcomes.
• Participate in design and process reviews to enhance repeatability, reduce cycle times, and support continuous product improvement.

Travel Requirements

• Travel to customer and vendor locations as needed, typically up to 35%, to support application development, machine installation, troubleshooting, and customer training.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in CNC programming, including G-code, M-code, macros, and parametric programming.
• Understanding of precision grinding processes, grinding wheels, tooling, and machine tool applications.
• Familiarity with Fanuc CNC controls and related programming environments.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and general machine tool functionality.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting, analytical, and process optimization skills.
• Experience developing or refining CNC machining or grinding processes to meet demanding quality and dimensional requirements.
• Experience with C# programming and Visual Studio for developing user interfaces, machine functionality, or data collection systems.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD/CAM software; experience with Siemens NX or SolidWorks is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across engineering, sales, service, and customer-facing teams.

Education and Qualifications

• Approximately 2-5+ years of practical experience in applications engineering, CNC programming, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with CNC grinding applications, precision manufacturing, machine tools, or comparable manufacturing technologies is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is preferred; equivalent practical experience may also be considered.