CNC Applications Engineering Lead | Hands-On Tech Leader

Ilocatum; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilocatum in Cincinnati, OH is seeking an experienced CNC Applications Engineering Lead to guide an established team, stay close to machines, and drive technical direction and project execution.

The role blends hands-on machining with leadership, mentoring engineers, coordinating customer projects, and establishing best practices across Sales, Service, Engineering and Product teams to ensure successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with CNC metal-cutting equipment and machines.
• Experience leading applications engineering teams or projects.
• Strong knowledge of G-code, machining processes, tooling, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead for the CNC Applications Engineering team.
• Mentor and develop Applications Engineers in machining knowledge and best practices.
• Coordinate team workload, customer projects, machine installations, and demonstrations.
• Lead complex applications projects and act as escalation point for technical challenges.
• Develop and optimize CNC machining processes including tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and cycle times.
• Support machine installations, prove-outs, runoff activities, and customer acceptance.
• Collaborate with customers to evaluate parts, prints, tolerances, materials, and production requirements.
• Assist Sales with technical expertise during customer evaluations, tests, and solution development.
• Evaluate machine configurations, tooling, workholding, automation, and peripheral equipment for applications.
• Deliver or oversee customer training on machine operation, programming, and applications best practices.
• Collaborate with Sales, Service, Engineering, Product Management and others to resolve issues and ensure outcomes.
• Establish and improve applications engineering standards, processes, and workflows for consistency.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, cycle times, and product quality.
• Stay current on CNC technology, controls, tooling, CAM software, and advanced machining strategies.

Skills

CNC machining

G-code programming

Machining processes optimization

Multi-axis CNC

Technical leadership

Customer demonstrations

Project coordination

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Tools

CAM software

Offline CNC programming

Job description

Ilocatum in Cincinnati, OH is seeking an experienced CNC Applications Engineering Lead to guide an established team, stay close to machines, and drive technical direction and project execution.

The role blends hands-on machining with leadership, mentoring engineers, coordinating customer projects, and establishing best practices across Sales, Service, Engineering and Product teams to ensure successful outcomes.