CNC Applications Support Specialist

5th Axis Inc$79K — $93K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience as an operator, setup machinist, or similar
  • Experience with 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining centers
  • Strong understanding of CNC setups, fixturing, and problem-solving
  • Ability to clearly explain technical solutions and machining concepts
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with ERP/CRM systems like Epicor and Salesforce preferred

Responsibilities

  • Diagnose and resolve CNC setup and fixturing issues for customers
  • Provide guidance on CNC workholding systems and accessories
  • Troubleshoot clamping, alignment, and setup efficiency problems
  • Support applications for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers
  • Recommend products based on customer needs
  • Escalate complex issues to Engineering with clear feedback
  • Document cases and customer interactions in systems

Benefits

  • Competitive pay with performance-based bonus opportunities
  • 100% company-paid medical coverage for employees
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with up to a 5% match
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Training and career advancement opportunities
  • Supportive, non-corporate culture with valued input from employees
  • Company-sponsored team events and activities
Full Job Description
A Technical Support Role Built for Machinists

As a CNC Applications Support Specialist, you'll work directly with machinists, engineers, distributors, and manufacturing teams to solve real-world machining, workholding, and fixturing challenges.

You'll use your shop-floor experience to troubleshoot applications, recommend solutions, and help customers get the best performance from 5th Axis products.

This position requires hands-on CNC machining experience. It is not an IT help desk, software support, or general customer service role. Applicants without experience operating or setting up CNC machines will not be considered.

What the Job Looks Like
  • A machinist calls because a 5-axis setup is losing repeatability-you help identify the fixturing issue.
  • A customer needs to fixture a complex part-you guide them toward an appropriate workholding solution.
  • You review photos, prints, and setup information to troubleshoot machining problems.
  • You help customers improve clamping, alignment, setup efficiency, and consistency.
  • You translate shop-floor challenges into clear, actionable feedback for Engineering.
  • You coordinate with internal teams to resolve product, replacement, or order-related concerns.


What You'll Do Here
  • Work directly with machinists to diagnose and resolve setup and fixturing challenges.
  • Provide technical guidance on CNC workholding systems, zero-point solutions, and related accessories.
  • Troubleshoot issues involving clamping, alignment, repeatability, and setup efficiency.
  • Support customer applications involving 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers.
  • Recommend products and solutions based on customer applications and machining requirements.
  • Escalate complex technical issues to Engineering with clear and actionable information.
  • Communicate with customers by phone and email to resolve machining and product-related concerns.
  • Assist with RMAs, replacement parts, order support, and shipping coordination as needed.
  • Document technical cases, customer interactions, and solutions in CRM and ERP systems.
  • Provide customers and distribution partners with product guidance and machining insight.
  • Share customer and shop-floor feedback to support product and process improvements.
  • Help deliver a responsive, knowledgeable, and professional customer experience.


What You'll Bring
  • At least three years of hands-on CNC machining experience as an operator, setup machinist, applications specialist, programmer, or similar technical professional.
  • Experience operating or setting up 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining centers.
  • A strong understanding of CNC setups, fixturing, workholding, and machining problem-solving.
  • The ability to explain machining concepts and technical solutions clearly.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and close attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to organize and manage multiple technical cases and priorities.
  • Experience working with engineers, production teams, customers, or distributors is a plus.
  • Familiarity with ERP and CRM systems; Epicor and Salesforce experience is a plus.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus but not required.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Technical training, certification, or a machining apprenticeship is preferred.


Who This Role Is Ideal For
  • Experienced machinists who want to move away from daily machine operation without leaving the industry.
  • CNC setup machinists or programmers who enjoy troubleshooting and helping others.
  • Machining leads who are comfortable explaining technical concepts and guiding less-experienced machinists.
  • Applications- or process-focused machinists who want greater exposure to customers, products, and engineering challenges.
  • Customer-focused manufacturing professionals who can translate shop-floor problems into practical solutions.
  • CNC professionals looking to apply their experience in a technical, customer-facing role.


Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Competitive pay with performance-based bonus opportunities
  • 100% company-paid medical coverage available for employees
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with up to a 5% company match
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Training and meaningful opportunities for career advancement
  • A supportive, non-corporate culture where your ideas matter
  • Company-sponsored team events and activities


Ready to Take Your CNC Experience Beyond the Machine?

This is more than a support position. It's an opportunity to apply your machining experience in a broader role, solve real manufacturing challenges, and become a trusted resource for the machinists who rely on our products every day.

If you're ready to combine technical expertise with customer service and put your CNC knowledge to work in a new way, apply today and build your future with 5th Axis.

Pay Range: $38 - $45 per hour

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