Applications Engineer - Aerospace Center of Excellence

DN Solutions America; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

401(k)

Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance

Life Insurance and Short-Term Disabled

Paid Time-Off including vacation, sick

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

DN Solutions America, based at the Chicago Technical Center, is seeking an Applications Engineer to develop and demonstrate advanced machining processes for aerospace and defense customers. The role is hands-on with programming, setup, prove-out, and documentation, collaborating with DN Solutions and HELLER teams on customer evaluations and turnkey projects.

You will support pre-sale activities, test cuts, and production validation, while communicating technical results to customers and internal

Qualifications

• Five+ years in CNC machining or applications engineering, with aerospace exposure.
• Ability to program, set up, and prove out complex multi-axis machining.
• Experience with difficult materials, tooling, and inspection methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop aerospace applications from part review through process planning, programming, test cutting, validation, and handoff under the Aerospace COE Lead.
• Develop multi-axis milling strategies for complex aerospace and defense components with tight tolerances.
• Select and validate cutting tools, fixtures, probing, and inspection methods to meet quality and cycle-time targets.
• Program, set up, and prove out applications on DN Solutions and HELLER machines as appropriate to the project.
• Manage assigned project schedules and communicate technical risks, results, and needs to the COE Lead and project team.
• Support pre-sale activities including evaluations, cycle-time studies, proposals, demonstrations, and customer test cuts.
• Present process recommendations and validated results to customer engineering and manufacturing teams in coordination with the COE Lead and sales team.
• Support customer production startup, process optimization, and personnel training, as needed.
• Collaborate with HQ Applications Engineering, R&D, HELLER, product management, service, tooling partners, and other engineers to resolve issues and develop solutions.
• Document programs, setups, tooling, cycle times, inspection results, and lessons learned for repeatable methods and demonstrations.

Skills

CNC programming

5-axis machining

CAD/CAM

GD&T interpretation

Customer communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field

Associate's degree in a technical field

Tools

Siemens NX

hyperMILL

Mastercam

VERICUT

Job description

Company Description

For over 50 years, DN Solutions has built machine tools that shape the world around us, including the cars we drive, the planes we fly, and the medical devices that save lives. We develop smart machines and customized solutions that advance these essential industries.

Company Description

For over 50 years, DN Solutions has built machine tools that shape the world around us, including the cars we drive, the planes we fly, and the medical devices that save lives. We develop smart machines and customized solutions that advance these essential industries.

Join our applications engineering team and help customers put advanced mill-turn technology to work.

Job Description

The Applications Engineer for the Aerospace Center of Excellence develops and demonstrates advanced machining processes for aerospace and defense customers. Based at the Chicago Technical Center and reporting to the Aerospace COE Lead, this person works on customer evaluations, turnkey projects, test cuts, and production validation. The role is hands-on, from programming and setup through prove-out and documentation, in collaboration with DN Solutions and HELLER technical teams.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop assigned aerospace applications from part review and feasibility through process planning, programming, test cutting, validation, and customer handoff under the direction of the Aerospace COE Lead.
• Develop multi-axis milling strategies for complex aerospace and defense components involving difficult materials, tight tolerances, and demanding surface requirements.
• Select and validate cutting tools, fixtures, probing, and inspection methods to achieve quality and cycle-time targets.
• Program, set up, and prove out applications on DN Solutions and HELLER machines as appropriate to the project.
• Manage assigned project schedules and communicate technical risks, results, and support needs to the COE Lead and project team.
• Support pre-sale activities, including application evaluations, cycle-time studies, technical proposals, machine demonstrations, and customer test cuts.
• Present process recommendations and validated results to customer engineering and manufacturing teams in coordination with the COE Lead and sales team.
• Support customer production startup, process optimization, and personnel training, as needed.
• Collaborate with HQ Applications Engineering, R&D, HELLER, product management, service, tooling partners, and applications engineers to resolve technical issues and develop application solutions.
• Document programs, setups, tooling, cycle times, inspection results, and lessons learned while contributing to repeatable application methods, COE demonstrations, and technical events such as open houses and trade shows.

Job Requirements

• At least five years of CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or applications engineering experience, including experience with aerospace or other precision components.
• Hands-on ability to program, set up, and prove out complex 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining processes.
• Experience with difficult materials, cutting tools, work holding, and inspection methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer quality requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, G-code troubleshooting, and cycle-time analysis.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field, or equivalent industry experience.

Preferred

• Experience with DN Solutions or HELLER machining centers and their control platforms.
• Experience with Siemens NX, hyperMILL, Mastercam, VERICUT, or comparable CAM and verification tools.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense customer requirements, AS9100 quality systems, and applicable export-control and security requirements.
• Experience with automation, in-process measurement, or production validation.

Company Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• 401(k)
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
• Paid Time-Off including vacation, sick time, and Holidays.
• Employee Referral Program

Our success is driven by our team of talented, dedicated individuals working closely together to meet or exceed customer expectations. Take the next step in your career and become part of our fast-growing company.

DN Solutions America is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.