The Applications Engineer, reporting to the Director of Sales is a corporate engineering representative for customer-facing activities.
Key Responsibilities- Partner with Sales to develop and close business opportunities by delivering engineered cutting tool solutions that improve machining performance, productivity, and cost efficiency
- Provide on-site technical support at customer facilities, including troubleshooting machining issues, optimizing tooling and cutting parameters, and improving process stability
- Conduct detailed manufacturing line audits (with emphasis on CNC machining, metal cutting, and tool performance) to identify productivity gains, cost savings, and new business opportunities
- Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction, tool life improvement, scrap reduction, and overall cost-per-part optimization
- Support and execute tooling trials, run-offs, and process validations for new and existing applications
- Collaborate with customers' manufacturing, process engineering, and production teams to resolve technical challenges related to cutting tools, tool wear, surface finish, and dimensional control
- Assist in new product launches by supporting APQP processes, including manufacturability reviews, tooling selection, and process capability optimization
- Work closely with cutting tool manufacturers and vendors to resolve tool performance or quality issues and recommend improvements
- Drive standardization and consolidation of cutting tools and machining processes to reduce complexity and total cost of ownership
- Participate in customer business reviews and provide technical insights tied to performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives
- Deliver technical training for customers and internal teams on topics such as cutting tool selection, machining fundamentals, tool wear analysis, and advanced metal cutting strategies
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Sales, Quality, Sourcing, Operations) to ensure timely resolution of technical and commercial issues
- Support customer R&D and process development initiatives through application engineering and tooling recommendations (without assuming product design ownership)
- Ensure all activities align with ISO standards, safety practices, and risk mitigation to protect both the customer and organization
Professional Experience RequirementsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial) or related technical field, or equivalent hands-on machining/application experience
Work Experience- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a cutting tool application, machining environment, or metalworking industry
- Strong background supporting customers on the shop floor, including CNC machining centers (milling, turning, drilling, tapping, etc.)
- Demonstrated experience optimizing cutting parameters, tool selection, and machining processes
- Experience working directly with customers to troubleshoot and resolve technical production issues
- Experience with cutting tool materials and technologies (carbide, coatings, geometries, high-speed machining, etc.)
- Knowledge of relevant industry standards (ANSI, ISO, ASME) and machining best practices
Professional Skills- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose machining issues and implement effective, data-driven solutions
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex machining concepts to operators, engineers, and executives
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects, customer priorities, and field activities independently
- Hands-on, solution-oriented mindset with a high level of mechanical aptitude
- Ability to build credibility and trust with customers through technical expertise and responsiveness
Salary Target is 100k plus depending on experience
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
