CNC Applications Engineer

Keystone Distinction Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group seeks an experienced CNC Applications Engineer to serve as the technical authority for high-precision CNC turning. You will support quotes, design robust processes, and drive continuous improvement across production.

The role emphasizes translating customer requirements into efficient machining solutions and collaborating with sales, operations, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years supporting CNC turning in precision manufacturing.
• Translate customer requirements into complete machining strategies.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC programming principles and CAM systems.
• Strong understanding of CNC machine controls and servo systems.
• Experience supporting Swiss-style or high-precision turning platforms.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer prints and specs to develop machining strategies and quotes.
• Develop, validate, and refine CNC turning processes for repeatability and efficiency.
• Create and review CNC programs; support standards and best practices.
• Provide advanced technical support for complex setup or process issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time and tooling costs.
• Define tooling and workholding solutions for scalable production.

Skills

CNC programming

G-code

Process optimization

Manufacturing engineering

Quoting support

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

CAM systems

Job description

CNC Applications Engineer

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

Key Responsibilities

• Applications Engineering & Quoting – Analyze customer prints and specifications to develop complete machining strategies, including process flow, tooling approach, cycle-time assumptions, and labor inputs for accurate quoting.
• Process Design & Optimization – Develop, validate, and refine CNC turning processes focused on repeatability, efficiency, and manufacturability rather than daily machine operation.
• Programming Strategy & Review – Create, review, and optimize CNC programs with an emphasis on process robustness, tool life, and throughput; support programming standards and best practices.
• Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting – Provide advanced technical support for complex setup, programming, or process issues; act as escalation point rather than primary operator.
• Continuous Improvement – Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, tooling cost, and secondary operations through improved process design and technology application.
• Tooling & Workholding Strategy – Define tooling, collet, and workholding solutions that support efficient, scalable production.
• Quality & Compliance Collaboration – Work with Quality teams to establish inspection strategies and process controls that ensure consistent compliance with tight tolerance requirements.
• Cross-Functional Engagement – Actively participate in discussions across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams to support manufacturability and customer success.
• Work Environment – Fully onsite role with strong interaction across departments.

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