CNC Applications Engineer

Software Placement Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a CNC Applications Engineer to serve as a technical authority supporting customer quoting, process design, and manufacturing optimization.

You will analyze customer requirements to develop machining strategies for CNC turning, create robust CNC programs, and coordinate with sales, operations, and quality teams to drive continuous improvement across production processes. This is an on-site, full-time role.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical education in Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience supporting CNC turning processes in a precision manufacturing environment with an applications focus.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into complete machining strategies, not just production work.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC programming principles (G-code) and CAM systems, with emphasis on optimization and standardization.
• Strong understanding of CNC machine controls, servo systems, and mechanical fundamentals.
• Experience supporting Swiss-style or comparable high-precision turning platforms.
• High level of mathematical and analytical aptitude.
• Comfortable guiding shop-floor teams with technical guidance and problem resolution.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer prints and specifications to develop complete machining strategies for quoting.
• Develop, validate, and refine CNC turning processes focused on repeatability and manufacturability.
• Create, review, and optimize CNC programs; support programming standards and best practices.
• Provide advanced technical support for complex setup, programming, or process issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, tooling cost, and secondary operations through design improvements.
• Define tooling, collet, and workholding solutions for scalable production.
• Work with quality teams to establish inspection strategies and process controls for tight tolerances.
• Participate across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams to support manufacturability and customer success.
• Role is fully onsite with strong cross-department interaction.

Skills

CNC programming

Process engineering

G-code

CAM systems

Machine controls

Swiss turning

Analytical math

Technical coaching

Education

Associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering or CNC Programming

Tools

CAM systems

Swiss-style turning platforms

Job description

Location: Indianapolis, IN | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

A precision manufacturing company specializing in high-precision CNC turning is seeking a CNC Applications Engineer to serve as a technical authority supporting customer quoting, process design, and manufacturing optimization. This role partners closely with sales, operations, and quality teams to translate customer requirements into efficient, scalable machining solutions while driving continuous improvement across production processes.

What you'll do

• Analyze customer prints and specifications to develop complete machining strategies, including process flow, tooling approach, cycle-time assumptions, and labor inputs for accurate quoting
• Develop, validate, and refine CNC turning processes focused on repeatability, efficiency, and manufacturability rather than daily machine operation
• Create, review, and optimize CNC programs with an emphasis on process robustness, tool life, and throughput; support programming standards and best practices
• Provide advanced technical support for complex setup, programming, or process issues, acting as an escalation point rather than a primary operator
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, tooling cost, and secondary operations through improved process design and technology application
• Define tooling, collet, and workholding solutions that support efficient, scalable production
• Work with quality teams to establish inspection strategies and process controls that ensure consistent compliance with tight tolerance requirements
• Actively participate in discussions across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams to support manufacturability and customer success
• Work in a fully onsite role with strong interaction across departments

Required qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical education in Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience supporting CNC turning processes in a precision manufacturing environment, with a strong applications or process-engineering focus
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer requirements into complete machining strategies rather than solely executing production work
• Advanced knowledge of CNC programming principles (G-code) and CAM systems, with an emphasis on optimization and standardization
• Strong understanding of CNC machine controls, servo systems, and mechanical fundamentals
• Experience supporting Swiss-style or comparable high-precision turning platforms
• High level of mathematical and analytical aptitude
• Comfortable supporting shop-floor teams through technical guidance and problem resolution as needed
• Must meet applicable employment eligibility and background requirements

Why this role

This is an opportunity to serve as a technical authority for high-precision CNC turning applications, working across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams to drive manufacturability and continuous improvement.