Applications Engineer, Machining

Overview

Summary - basic function of the role

The Applications Engineer is an operations-aligned technical role responsible for translating customer requirements into executable, safe, and efficient machining and field service solutions. The role owns application definition from technical scoping through execution readiness, ensuring solutions are manufacturable, repeatable, and aligned with operational capabilities, quality standards, and safety requirements.

This position serves as the technical bridge between Operations, Engineering, Field Services, and Commercial, with primary accountability for application feasibility, execution planning, risk mitigation, and technical handover to Operations. While the role supports pre-sales activities, its core responsibility is ensuring operational readiness and successful delivery of engineered solutions.

Shift: Monday - Friday, evenings and weekends may be required

Location: Monday - Thursday, in office; Friday, optional work from home

320 Deerwood Glen Dr.

Deer Park, TX 77536

Role is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Engineered solutions

• Develop optimized machining solutions including tooling, process strategies, and operating parameters which can include standard products or existing designs; modifications to standard products or existing designs; completely new engineering designs
• Analyze customer machining challenges and recommend improvements related to cycle time, tool life, quality, and cost
• Support product trials, testing, and validation activities
• Document application recommendations, test results, and best practices
• Applies costing and process design strategies in order to position the company in the early stages of project development to increase the probability of success - propose cost efficient and best practice solutions, maximizing margin for HT.
• Carries out application checks, e.g. generate bolt and flange load calculations:
• Support New Product Development design, test, and protype as required

Operational Readiness & Handover

• Own the technical handover process from opportunity definition to Operations and Field Services
• Ensure scope definition, assumptions, risks, and execution constraints are fully captured prior to contract review
• Validate job readiness including tooling availability, sequencing, safety considerations, and site constraints
• Support Operations during planning reviews, mobilization, and pre-job meetings
• Act as technical escalation support during execution when deviations or issues arise

Project Execution & Customer Implementation

• Manage execution of application projects through customer trials, process validation, and production release
• Ensures accuracy and completeness of customer/product requirements for hand-off to Operations at contract review
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers during project execution
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, issues, and changes
• Develops and supply the technical documentation required within the scope of the project
• Ensure application solutions are delivered on time and meet technical, quality, and customer expectations
• Problem solving, in case of on-site issues.
• Support post-implementation reviews and capture lessons learned

Field & Execution Support

• Provide on-site and remote technical support during trials, mobilization, execution, and troubleshooting
• Support safe execution of machining and field services by resolving application-related challenges in real time
• Participate in post-job reviews to capture lessons learned and improvement actions
• Support root cause analysis for execution issues and contribute to corrective and preventive actions

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Operations, Field Services, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to improve application readiness and execution outcomes
• Share execution feedback to improve standard tooling, procedures, and training materials
• Contribute to development and refinement of standardized application processes and best practices
• Support internal training for Operations and Field personnel related to application methods and tooling

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, materials, and tooling
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or technical workstreams simultaneously
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as required (typically 20-40%)
• Knowledge of design standards, documentation and certification requirements
• Working knowledge of oil & gas industry, energy industry and preferably (petrol)chemical industry
• Ability in the use of computers, Microsoft software, CAD software
• Strong and confident communicator (verbal and written), capability to write professional reports and presentations, including presenting at customer
• Motivator within the execution team.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing and coordinating work and equipment flow.
• Possess the drive and initiative to motivate others to accomplish the defined strategies in all areas of the business.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical machining experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in machining, manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, or application engineering and/or a combination of education and experience.
• Must be able to pass site specific background and drug tests
• A requirement for this role is the ability to access U.S. export-controlled information
• TWIC card preferred, ability to obtain a TWIC card required
• Valid Drivers License required
• Passport preferred, ability to obtain a passport required

Physical Demands

Employee may have to lift documents/work materials up to 30 pounds in weight. Employee may have to lift tools up to 50 pounds in weight. Employee will have to be able to walk/climb to a variety of primary work locations, including traveling by air/auto to remote sites. This can include occasional ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like. Employee may move themselves in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. Employee will need to move about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another. Employee will need to operate machinery and/or power tools, motor vehicles, and heavy equipment. Employee will need to listen, understand, and speak with team members in person, telephonically, and electronically at all levels within a diverse workforce and with supported organizations. Employee will need to assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. Employee can work in front of a personal computer and telephone for long periods of time. Will have repetitive motions that include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Environment

Primary work environment is temperature-controlled office setting or a typical warehouse environment but may also be visiting different customers where following appropriate safety protocols at the location would be required. While in the warehouse or visiting customers, employee may be exposed to high/low temperatures, outdoor elements (such as precipitation and wind), and/or high levels of noise,.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Direct Reports

N/A

Key Stakeholders

Territory Manager

Customer Relations

Sales Operations Specialists

Shop Technicians

Field Service Technician