Application Engineer – Sales

Application Engineer – Sales

Chicago (With travel requirements)

Full time Opportunity

Overview

A global manufacturer of advanced machine tools is seeking an experienced CNC Application Engineer to support both pre-sales and post-sales activities.

This role acts as a key technical resource across the full customer lifecycle, developing turnkey manufacturing solutions, supporting the sales process through technical expertise, and ensuring successful implementation and optimisation after installation.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Sales Support: Conduct customer visits, assess opportunities, evaluate machining requirements, and develop turnkey proposals.
• Process Development: Create complete manufacturing solutions including CNC programs, tooling selection, and fixturing strategies.
• Technical Sales Support: Deliver product demonstrations, presentations, and time studies to support sales efforts.
• Competitive Positioning: Prepare technical comparisons and supporting materials to highlight product advantages.
• Project Execution: Oversee turnkey project delivery, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Technical Support: Provide hands-on support to customers and distributors, including troubleshooting, programming, and process optimisation.
• Training: Deliver customer training on CNC programming, applications, and advanced machining techniques.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the technical liaison between customers, sales teams, and internal engineering.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor project performance and drive ongoing process and application improvements.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent industry experience)
• 5–10 years of hands-on manufacturing experience (e.g. tool & die, job shop, or production environments)
• Experience supporting industries such as aerospace, automotive, or medical

Technical Expertise

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience (G & M code)
• Strong background in process engineering, machine setup, and operation
• Experience with multi-task turning centres and 5-axis machining (VMC/HMC)
• Knowledge of CNC controls such as Fanuc and Siemens
• Proficiency with CAM software (e.g. Mastercam, Siemens NX) and CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD)

Additional Skills

• Familiarity with project planning tools (e.g. Gantt charts, action plans)
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and ISO standards
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to work directly with customers in a technical capacity

Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and short-term disability
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Employee referral program