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Location: Albany, NY | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

An established manufacturer of CNC metal-cutting machines and automation systems is seeking an Applications Engineer to support the development, implementation, and production readiness of its equipment. This role serves as a key technical resource across the sales, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning process, helping ensure customer machining solutions perform reliably in production.

What you'll do

• Evaluate customer parts, drawings, specifications, and production requirements 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 addressing quality, accuracy, cycle time, throughput, reliability, and safety
• Review customer applications and confirm proposed CNC machine tools, automation systems, and production processes are suitable for 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
• 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 to customers and internal 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 proposals and quoting
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, safety improvements, and cost-saving opportunities
• Develop and maintain realistic schedules for commissioning, production readiness, and project completion
• Provide direct technical support to customers during and after machine implementation
• Communicate with customers regarding project requirements, technical concerns, progress, and corrective actions
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding pricing, delivery schedules, and technical information
• Communicate project risks, technical issues, and schedule concerns across engineering, sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and project management
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, manufacturing, project management, vendors, and outside technical partners
• Provide technical guidance to other engineers, programmers, machinists, and technical personnel
• Assist with 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

Required qualifications

• 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

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to serve as a hands-on technical resource across the full lifecycle of CNC machine and automation projects, from proposal through production launch and ongoing customer support.