Applications Engineering Manager

Company Summary

We are a leading provider of advanced CNC machinery solutions, dedicated to supporting our clients with cutting-edge technology and exceptional service. Our organization fosters a supportive environment where employees can focus on their expertise, thrive in their careers, and deliver outstanding results to a diverse client base.

Job Summary

The Applications Engineering Manager will lead a group of Application Engineers (AEs) responsible for Illinois and Indiana territories. Key duties include optimizing AE schedules, effectively distributing team workload, overseeing smaller-scale turnkey initiatives, and stepping in to perform hands-on engineering tasks when necessary. This position involves spending time at customer facilities (anticipating 30-50% travel). The manager will strengthen the AE group to better support sales efforts, promote ongoing enhancement, and supply outstanding technical value.

Responsibilities

While not exhaustive, primary duties encompass:

• Lead, grow, and mentor the applications engineering group
• Partner with leadership and customer feedback to enhance AE skills, creating a competitive edge that strengthens the sales cycle
• Establish an ongoing improvement initiative within the AE function through workshops, formal education, and practical on-the-job guidance
• Supervise development of machining processes and time-study calculations
• Direct smaller turnkey system implementations (with backing from a capable national project management group for larger-scale efforts)
• Contribute to the design of fixtures and tooling
• Generate status updates and documentation for leadership and project specifications
• Collaborate with and support service and sales teams to surpass client expectations
• Identify and cultivate income opportunities tied to engineering services
• Organize instructional sessions for clients and internal personnel
• Deliver technical assistance to customers remotely and in-person
• Foster and sustain strong client partnerships
• Arrange and support equipment showcases at locations and industry events
• Build and nurture connections with OEMs, suppliers, and partners
• Evaluate, utilize, and suggest CAD/CAM platforms
• Document and track client concerns and service requests accurately
• Enthusiastically engage in additional relevant tasks as required

Overall approach: Strong attention to detail combined with proactive execution, capacity to inspire loyalty and commitment within the team, and personal drive to elevate customers' manufacturing performance.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in applications engineering within the machine tool sector
• In-depth expertise with FANUC controls
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools
• Friendly, polished, and client-oriented personality
• Excellent organizational abilities with strategic, big-picture thinking (for scheduling, resource planning, and team leadership)
• Readiness for 30-50% travel to client locations
• Eagerness to acquire new skills and technologies (for example, Siemens controls can be mastered during employment)

Preferred Requirements

• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience (though we welcome high-performing individual contributors—such as experienced AEs ready to step into leadership—with superior planning and motivational abilities)
• Familiarity with 5-axis machining processes
• Comfort performing direct AE fieldwork as situations demand

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000 plus bonus
• Benefits Package: Medical coverage, dental insurance, 401(k) plan
• Travel Support: Vehicle allowance, gas card, daily per diem

Location & Work Arrangement

• Primary Territory: Illinois and Indiana, with occasional extension into Kentucky based on project demands
• Work Model: Hybrid setup — option to work remotely, but presence in the office is expected for about half the workweek

This position provides the chance to guide an accomplished team in an expanding organization while staying actively engaged in technical, customer-centric work within the machine tool sector.