Application Engineer (CNC Tool Grinding)

Cullerton Group; Mundelein (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Standard employee benefits package

Job summary

Cullerton Group in Mundelein, IL is hiring an Application Engineer for CNC tool grinding. This full-time, direct-hire role focuses on applying grinding technology, training customers, and optimizing processes.

The candidate will install machines regionally and internationally, provide technical support, and drive productivity improvements. The position requires hands-on CNC grinding experience, ability to read drawings, and willingness to travel up to 60% including international trips.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years hands-on experience operating, programming, or supporting CNC grinding machines.
• Strong understanding of grinding wheels, dressing, coolants, and workholding.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and tight tolerances.
• Experience with ISO/G-code CNC programming and troubleshooting.
• Willingness to travel about 40-60% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Conduct application engineering and training on CNC tool grinding systems and software.
• Perform test grinding and live demonstrations for customers.
• Grind tools per drawings and tolerances; optimize grinding processes.
• Install CNC tool grinding machines at customer sites in North America and beyond.
• Provide post-installation technical support and remote assist as needed.
• Train customers and develop training materials and documentation.

Skills

CNC grinding

CNC programming (ISO/G-code)

Grinding processes

Engineering drawings interpretation

Troubleshooting CNC machinery

Customer training

Travel availability 40-60%

Education

Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing

Tools

CNC controls

Grinding software

Cutting tool technology

Job description

Application Engineer - CNC Tool Grinding Location: Mundelein, IL (On-site - Local Candidates Only) Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Base Salary: $90,000-$120,000 annually + Standard Benefits Travel Requirement: 40-60% (Domestic and International)

Position Overview Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for an Application Engineer - CNC Tool Grinding in Mundelein, Illinois. This is a full-time, direct-hire position offering a base salary of $90,000-$120,000 annually, plus standard benefits. Our client is a leading Swiss manufacturer of high-precision CNC tool and cutter grinding machines, with its North American headquarters in Mundelein, IL. We are seeking a hands-on Application Engineer with a strong passion for grinding technology, CNC machinery, and customer support. The successful candidate will join the US applications team, providing technical expertise in CNC tool grinding, machine installations, customer training, process optimization, and troubleshooting.

Important: Only local candidates in or near Mundelein, IL will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Application Engineering & Grinding Operations
  • Conduct application engineering and customer training on CNC tool grinding systems, machine operations, CNC controls, grinding software, and cutting tool technology.
  • Perform test grinding and live grinding demonstrations at the company's showroom and customer facilities.
  • Grind cutting tools according to customer specifications, engineering drawings, and required tolerances.
  • Develop and optimize grinding processes, including grinding wheel selection, dressing strategies, coolant applications, and workholding techniques.
  • Improve grinding productivity, cycle times, surface finish, and overall operational efficiency.
  • Validate customer productivity requirements and operational procedures through test grinding and demonstrations.
• Machine Installation & Technical Support
  • Install CNC tool grinding machines at customer facilities throughout North America and internationally.
  • Provide technical support following machine installation, including CNC controls, grinding software, cutting tool applications, and mechanical systems.
  • Perform light field service work involving CNC controls, electrical systems, and mechanical machine components.
  • Troubleshoot operational issues related to grinding applications, CNC controls, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment.
  • Provide telephone-based troubleshooting and technical assistance to customers.
  • Collaborate with the field service team to resolve machine and application-related issues.
• Customer Training & Collaboration
  • Train customers on CNC tool grinding operations, machine programming, grinding wheels, software, and cutting tool technology.
  • Provide hands-on and remote technical guidance to improve customer productivity and machine performance.
  • Conduct pre-sales demonstrations to showcase machine capabilities and validate customer requirements.
  • Develop and improve customer training materials and technical documentation.
  • Communicate customer feedback and application challenges to engineering and R&D teams.
  • Maintain professional, ethical, and transparent relationships with customers, colleagues, and management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience operating, programming, or supporting CNC grinding machines.
  • Strong understanding of grinding processes, including grinding wheels, dressing, coolants, and workholding.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and tight machining tolerances.
  • Experience with CNC programming, including ISO/G-code.
  • Hands-on troubleshooting experience involving CNC machinery and mechanical systems.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to provide technical training and work directly with customers.
  • Willingness and ability to travel approximately 40-60%, including domestic and international travel.
  • Must be locally based in Mundelein, IL, or the surrounding area.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with CNC tool and cutter grinding machines.
  • Experience with CNC grinding software and cutting tool design/programming applications.
  • Familiarity with CNC controls, electrical troubleshooting, and mechanical repairs.
  • Previous experience conducting machine demonstrations, installations, and customer training.
  • Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Machining, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on trade experience.

Professional Expectations

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a genuine passion for grinding and CNC grinding products, with a strong commitment to technical excellence and customer satisfaction. Integrity, honesty, professionalism, and fair and ethical treatment of customers, employers, and colleagues are expected at all times. Job duties and responsibilities may be modified at the company's discretion based on business and operational requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000-$120,000 annually
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
• Work Location: Mundelein, IL - On-site Candidate Location: Local Candidates Only
• Travel: Approximately 40-60%
• Benefits: Standard employee benefits package