Senior Applications Engineer

Okuma America Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Okuma America Corporation seeks a Senior Applications Engineer to lead advanced machining applications across milling, 5-axis, and laser-integrated solutions. You will collaborate with sales, distributors, and customers to develop new manufacturing processes and run demonstrations, trainings, and evaluations to ensure successful implementation of Okuma technologies.

You will support turnkey projects, machine validations, and process improvements from concept to production, delivering technical

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Trade school certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent machining/manufacturing experience.
• Significant manufacturing and machining experience with CNC machine tools.
• Experience supporting customers, distributors, or production teams in a technical environment.
• Ability to travel extensively to support customer visits, distributor activities, machine demonstrations, training programs, trade shows, and project-related initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced application engineering support for milling, 5-axis, and laser-integrated machining solutions.
• Partner with sales teams, distributors, and customers to develop and implement innovative manufacturing processes.
• Lead demonstrations, training programs, and technical evaluations that drive customer success and business growth.
• Support turnkey projects, machine validations, and process improvement initiatives from concept through production.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor, delivering expertise, documentation, and recommendations that strengthen customer relationships and maximize machine performance.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis machining

CAD/CAM

VeriCut

SPC

Documentation

Travel readiness

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD/CAM systems

VeriCut

3DVM

AOT

CAS

Job description

Description

Senior Applications Engineer

At Okuma America Corporation, we are committed to helping manufacturers achieve exceptional productivity through innovative CNC technologies, application expertise, and long-term customer partnerships. As a Senior Applications Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader supporting sales initiatives, distributor development, customer success, and advanced manufacturing projects.

This role is focused on 4-axis and 5-axis milling technologies, Laser EX integrations, and other high-performance machining solutions. The Senior Applications Engineer partners closely with customers, distributors, and internal teams to develop machining processes, conduct demonstrations, provide advanced technical support, and ensure successful implementation of Okuma solutions across a variety of industries.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Provide advanced application engineering support for Okuma's milling, 5-axis, and laser-integrated machining solutions.
• Partner with sales teams, distributors, and customers to develop and implement innovative manufacturing processes.
• Lead demonstrations, training programs, and technical evaluations that drive customer success and business growth.
• Support turnkey projects, machine validations, and process improvement initiatives from concept through production.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor, delivering expertise, documentation, and recommendations that strengthen customer relationships and maximize machine performance.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Trade school certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent machining/manufacturing experience.
• Significant manufacturing and machining experience with CNC machine tools.
• Experience supporting customers, distributors, or production teams in a technical environment.
• Ability to travel extensively to support customer visits, distributor activities, machine demonstrations, training programs, trade shows, and project-related initiatives.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of CNC machine tools and controls, preferably Okuma controls.
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis machining technologies.
• Knowledge of machining processes, tooling, fixturing, workholding, and manufacturing best practices.
• Knowledge of current cutting tool technologies and machining strategies.
• Familiarity with manual and hydraulic workholding systems.
• Experience working with CAD/CAM and manufacturing software platforms.
• Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Proficiency with mathematics, technical analysis, written communication, and report preparation.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, presentations, and customer-facing documentation.
• Familiarity with software and tools such as VeriCut, CAD/CAM systems, AOT, CAS, 3DVM, and modeling software.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Machine tool industry experience.
• Experience with laser-integrated machining technologies and/or robotic automation systems.
• Expertise supporting complex customer applications, turnkey projects, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience serving industries such as aerospace, energy, medical, construction, or fluid power.
• Strong presentation, training, project management, and problem-solving skills.

The Okuma Difference

For more than a century, Okuma has been a global leader in CNC machine tool technology. We continuously invest in innovation, employee development, and customer success, creating an environment where technical experts can make a measurable impact on the future of manufacturing.

At Okuma, You'll Have The Opportunity To

• Work with industry-leading CNC and automation technologies.
• Support some of the most advanced manufacturing applications in the world.
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineers, technicians, and industry experts.
• Participate in continuous learning and professional development.
• Build meaningful relationships with customers and distributors across North America.
• Contribute to a culture built on teamwork, excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Supporting Your Success

At Okuma, we invest in our employees' success through a comprehensive rewards package that includes competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, a pension plan, 401(k), medical, dental and vision coverage, company-paid disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), wellness programs, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling opportunities where applicable.