Application Engineer

Five Star Recruiting and Staffing

South Bend (IN)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading company in manufacturing is seeking an Applications Engineer / Programmer to develop and optimize CNC programs for machining centers. This mid-senior level position requires collaboration with production teams and continuous improvement of processes. Salary for this role is competitive, reflecting the skills and experience required.

Qualifications

Develop and optimize CNC programs using CAD models.
Maintain CNC program integrity utilizing program management software.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes.

Responsibilities

Create and control setup documentation for CNC machining.
Select tooling and optimize machining sequences.
Assist in mentoring junior programming staff.

Skills

CNC programming

Optimization

Troubleshooting

Collaboration

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

CNC program management tools

Job description

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Five Star Recruiting and Staffing provided pay range

This range is provided by Five Star Recruiting and Staffing. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$80,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr

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Job Title: Applications Engineer / Programmer

Summary

The Applications Engineer / Programmer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing CNC programming across all machining centers. This role ensures pre-production processes are fully prepared for efficient floor release and supports manufacturing through continuous process improvements and tooling strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, review, and revise CNC programs using CAD models, drawings, and specifications.
Optimize program efficiency and troubleshoot issues to improve machining performance.
Maintain integrity and security of CNC programs using program management software.
Create and control setup documentation; ensure all programs and related materials are properly updated and stored.

Tooling & Process Optimization

Select and order optimal tooling; coordinate with vendors for quoting and availability.
Determine machining sequences, tool paths, and specifications (e.g., radii, dimensions, tolerances).
Integrate deburring processes into CNC programs to minimize manual post-processing.
Support prototype tooling and trials in collaboration with Engineering and R&D.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with engineers, managers, and production teams to refine manufacturing processes.
Participate in kickoff meetings for new projects, cells, and customer programs.
Provide feedback to Engineering on manufacturability and inspection-related challenges.
Lead and document process improvements to drive consistent A+ grade outcomes.
Track and analyze issues raised during production to improve upstream programming.
Assist in onboarding and mentoring junior programming team members.
Contribute to software and system upgrades within the programming department.

Technical Environment

CNC Equipment: Swiss-style lathes, 3- and 5-axis mills, multi-tasking turn-mill centers
Software/Systems: ERP systems, Microsoft Office tools, flowcharting or visualization platforms, CNC program management tools

KPIs & Measurables