EDM Application Engineer

Socket.dev; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Makino is seeking an EDM Applications Engineer to serve as a technical expert for customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders. You will develop, test, and implement EDM manufacturing solutions, with emphasis on Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, and Fast Hole EDM.

The role combines hands-on machining, programming, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize productivity and part quality. The ideal candidate will have hands-on EDM experience, strong tooling and automation knowledge, and the ability

Qualifications

• BS in manufacturing/engineering or equivalent with hands-on EDM experience.
• 3+ years in EDM applications engineering or related role.
• Experience with Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, or Fast Hole EDM processes.
• Experience with CNC programming, CAD/CAM systems, and process development.
• Customer-facing technical support or applications engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical applications support throughout the sales process, including customer visits and demonstrations.
• Evaluate customer parts and drawings to determine optimal EDM processing methods.
• Develop machining strategies, cycle time estimates, tooling recommendations, and process proposals.
• Conduct demonstrations and proof-of-concept trials to validate solutions and support sales.
• Create and troubleshoot NC programs and process documentation.
• Coordinate fixture design, testing, and project timelines.
• Deliver training on machine operation and process optimization.
• Collaborate with Service, Engineering, and Sales teams to resolve technical challenges.

Skills

EDM machining

Wire EDM

Sinker EDM

NC programming

CAD/CAM

Process development

Customer-facing

GD&T interpretation

Manufacturing engineering

Programming support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related

Tools

CAD/CAM software

CNC programming

Automation integration

Job description

Makino is a world leader in metal-cutting and machining technology. As a leader in advanced manufacturing machine tool technology, Makino enables its customers to realize the highest level of quality with the fastest time to market. When companies make the parts that matter for automotive, aerospace, medical, die-mold and other industries worldwide, they make them with Makino.

Position Summary

The EDM Applications Engineer serves as a technical expert supporting customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders by developing, testing, and implementing EDM manufacturing solutions. This role combines hands-on machining expertise, process development, programming, and customer-facing technical support to help customers maximize productivity, quality, and performance from their EDM technology investments. The ideal candidate will have experience with Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, and/or Fast Hole EDM processes, along with a strong understanding of tooling, automation, programming, and manufacturing best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer and Sales Support

• Provide technical applications support throughout the sales process, including customer visits, technical reviews, demonstrations, and solution development.
• Evaluate customer parts, drawings, and manufacturing requirements to determine optimal EDM processing methods.
• Develop machining strategies, cycle time estimates, tooling recommendations, and process proposals.
• Conduct machine demonstrations, test cuts, and proof-of-concept trials to validate solutions and support machine sales.
• Present technical findings and application recommendations to customers and internal teams.

Process Development and Programming

• Develop and optimize EDM machining processes for productivity, accuracy, surface finish, and reliability.
• Create, modify, and troubleshoot NC programs, machine parameters, and process documentation.
• Generate and edit CAD/CAM data to support customer applications and turnkey projects.
• Research and integrate automation, tooling, fixturing, and third-party technologies into customer solutions.
• Perform process validation and document results for future use and standardization.

Project Execution

• Support turnkey and share-key projects from concept through customer acceptance.
• Coordinate fixture design, process development, testing, and project timelines.
• Conduct run-offs and final process validation prior to customer delivery.
• Deliver complete process documentation and technical reports.

Customer Training and Technical Support

• Provide customer training on machine operation, process optimization, maintenance, and programming.
• Deliver post-sale support including troubleshooting, process improvement, and production optimization.
• Work collaboratively with Service, Engineering, Product Management, and Sales teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Support field installations and customer startup activities.

Continuous Improvement

• Investigate new technologies, EDM applications, automation solutions, and manufacturing methods.
• Participate in product testing, software validation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical feedback to engineering and product management teams to support future product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands‑on EDM manufacturing experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of EDM machining, applications engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related experience.
• Experience with Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, or Fast Hole EDM processes.
• Experience with CNC programming, CAD/CAM systems, and process development.
• Customer-facing technical support or applications engineering experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of EDM machining principles and process optimization.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and complex part geometry.
• Experience with tooling, fixturing, automation systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software and CNC programming.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.

We believe that the interests of our company and people are inseparable, and we are committed to developing a diverse team of creative and independent professionals. Employees enjoy a stable work environment from a company with years of success and growth in the machine tool industry. Makino is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities