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Project management

About the job

We are seeking an Applications Engineer to support the development, implementation, and production readiness of CNC metal-cutting machines and automation systems. This position will evaluate customer applications, develop project-specific machining solutions, support machine programming and customization, estimate project costs, and serve as a technical resource throughout the sales, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning process. The Applications Engineer will also provide customer training and ongoing technical support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluate customer parts, drawings, specifications, production requirements, and technical needs to develop CNC machining and automation solutions.

Conduct applications engineering for CNC metal-cutting machines through programming, process development, training, customization, and production support.

Serve as the first user of newly developed machines and provide practical Voice of the Customer feedback to engineering and project teams.

Develop machining processes that address customer requirements for quality, accuracy, cycle time, throughput, reliability, and safety.

Review customer applications and confirm that proposed CNC machine tools, automation systems, and production processes are suitable for the intended use.

Interpret part drawings, machine layouts, specifications, tolerances, and other technical documentation.

Develop CNC programs, tooling strategies, workholding concepts, process sequences, and production procedures as required.

Support machine prove-out, commissioning, runoff, acceptance testing, installation, and production launch.

Identify and troubleshoot machining, programming, tooling, workholding, automation, mechanical, and process-related issues.

Create and deliver operator, programmer, and maintenance training for customers.

Visualize machine and automation layouts and present proposed solutions and revisions to customers and internal engineering teams.

Prepare, review, and maintain engineering documentation, process documentation, training materials, and project records.

Estimate project costs and provide technical guidance to the sales team during the proposal and quoting process.

Evaluate new technologies, materials, safety improvements, and cost-saving opportunities for machine and process designs.

Develop and maintain realistic schedules for machine commissioning, production readiness, customer support, and project completion.

Provide direct technical support to customers during and after machine implementation.

Communicate effectively with customers regarding project requirements, technical concerns, progress, and corrective actions.

Coordinate with suppliers regarding pricing, delivery schedules, component capabilities, and technical information.

Communicate project risks, technical issues, and schedule concerns to engineering, sales, manufacturing, purchasing, project management, and company leadership.

Collaborate with sales, engineering, manufacturing, project management, vendors, and outside technical partners to fulfill customer requirements.

Provide technical guidance and support to other engineers, programmers, machinists, and technical personnel.

Assist with the development and continuous improvement of internal engineering, project, and applications processes.

Travel domestically and internationally to install, troubleshoot, commission, prove out, and operate CNC machines and automation systems.

Support occasional multi-week customer installations and machine-production schedules.

REQUIREMENTS:

3+ years of progressively responsible engineering or applications experience in CNC machining, machine tools, manufacturing, automation, or a related field.

Experience with CNC metal-cutting machines, machining processes, production equipment, or industrial automation.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, part prints, machine layouts, technical specifications, and tolerance requirements.

Understanding of manufacturing processes, machining principles, machine tool capabilities, tolerancing, and production readiness.

Experience developing or supporting CNC programs, tooling strategies, workholding, process plans, or machine prove-outs.

Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, lubrication systems, fabricated components, and industrial machine systems.

Ability to perform sophisticated technical analysis across multiple mechanical engineering disciplines.

Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills involving machining, programming, tooling, automation, mechanical systems, and production processes.

Ability to communicate technical information clearly to customers, operators, engineers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Strong written communication, organization, project-management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and transition between priorities with minimal reorientation.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Ability to meet project schedules and budgets without sacrificing safety, quality, or customer satisfaction.

Willingness and ability to work full-time onsite in the Albany, New York area.

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately one week per month.

Ability to support two to four extended, multi-week trips annually.

Valid passport or ability to obtain one for international travel.