CNC Applications Engineer

Location: San Francisco Bay Area + Washington & Oregon (West Coast Only)

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $48–$58/hour (Overtime Eligible)

A prominent CNC machine tool company is looking for an experienced Applications Engineer to provide support to clients throughout the West Coast, with a focus on Northern California, Washington, and Oregon. This position is perfect for a technically proficient, customer-focused engineer capable of managing projects from beginning to end, including programming, setup, testing, optimization, and client training.

This role offers variety. Machines are received as foundational platforms and customized according to client needs, ensuring each machine and challenge is unique. The ideal Applications Engineer will excel in a fast-paced setting that demands flexibility, patience, and extensive CNC knowledge.

• Customer Application Support

Provide support to customers using CNC machine tools both remotely and on-site, ensuring efficient programming, setup, and operation of machines.
- Programming & Process Development

• Develop CNC programs from scratch for completely new parts
• Design tooling paths, choose tooling, conduct time analyses, and improve tool longevity
• Adjust and refine existing programs as necessary
• Support applications requiring precise tolerances (such as aerospace, medical, automotive, and complex components)
• Machine Setup & Validation

Manage projects from start to finish: setting up, programming, running parts, testing, and confirming machine performance before and after delivery to the customer.
- Customer Training

Instruct operators and maintenance staff on machine operation, programming, and optimal practices, often filling gaps due to operator departures or turnover.
- Sales Collaboration (50/50 Split)

• Collaborate with the sales team to assist with machine demonstrations, time assessments, and application feasibility studies
• Explain machine capabilities, workholding solutions, tooling options, and process benefits to clients
• Leverage technical expertise and build customer confidence to help boost sales

• Field & Office Balance

• Some weeks may involve extensive customer interaction, while others may be spent in the office supporting sales, programming, or conducting time studies

• Adaptability is crucial, as workload varies based on customer needs

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with automation teams (though automation knowledge is not required)

• Partner with engineering, product, and regional teams throughout the organization

• The territory includes Northern California, Washington, and Oregon (West Coast only)
• Typical travel: 60–70%
• Extended trips (lasting from 2 weeks to 1 month) are infrequent but possible

• Travel support:

• Company credit card provided

• $75/day per diem
• Mileage reimbursement
• Hotel costs fully covered
• Compensation begins upon departure from home and continues until your return
• Additional per diem provided for returns after 9:00 PM
• Travel typically occurs Monday–Friday, with weekends free

• Primary focus:

• FANUC controls (ESSENTIAL)

• Additional machine lines include:

• Okuma

• Nakamura
• Weiler Lathes (Siemens controls – limited exposure)

The machines support a diverse array of industries and applications that demand high accuracy and sophisticated machining techniques.

Experience

• Extensive hands-on experience in CNC Applications Engineering
• A Field Service Engineer background transitioning to Applications Engineering is often a successful path for this role
• Proven ability to manage complete CNC projects (setup, programming, testing, customer support)

Programming

• Proficiency in writing programs from the ground up, not just optimizing existing ones
• Familiarity with CAM systems (Gibbs, Mastercam, etc. — all transferable)
• Solid grasp of machining methods, tooling, materials, and machine performance

Controls

• Extensive experience with FANUC controls across various machine tools (required)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering is preferred
• Equivalent practical experience will be given strong consideration

The ideal candidate should demonstrate proficiency in:

• Customer Service
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Installation
• Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions