Sr. Application Engineer

Makino; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Makino is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and working directly with customers. In this role, you’ll partner with customers and internal teams to deliver high-quality machining solutions—from initial concepts through implementation and optimization.

If you like a mix of hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and customer interaction, this is a great opportunity to grow your career. Location: Auburn Hills, MI area with regional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience in Applications Engineering or other customer-facing technical roles.
• Strong CNC knowledge and 5-axis programming experience.
• Solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication of technical concepts to customers.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support turnkey projects and ensure successful delivery.
• Work directly with customers to understand needs and develop solutions.
• CNC programming and part processing.
• Process setup and optimization.
• Operator training.
• Lead or support training at customer sites and Makino facilities.
• Troubleshooting machine and application issues with Field Service Engineers.
• Support pre-sale activities such as test cuts, time studies, and technical discussions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Service, and Applications teams to solve customer challenges.

Skills

CNC programming

5-axis programming

Customer interaction

Troubleshooting

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering

Tools

CNC equipment

Job description

At Makino, we’re looking for a Senior Applications Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and working directly with customers.

In this role, you’ll partner with customers and internal teams to deliver high-quality machining solutions—from initial concepts through implementation and optimization. If you like a mix of hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and customer interaction, this is a great opportunity to grow your career.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be involved across the full customer lifecycle, including:

• Supporting turnkey/sharekey projects and ensuring successful delivery
• Working directly with customers to understand application needs and develop solutions
• CNC programming and part processing
• Process setup and optimization
• Operator training
• Leading or supporting training at customer sites and Makino facilities
• Troubleshooting machine and application issues alongside Field Service Engineers
• Supporting pre‑sale activities such as test cuts, time studies, and technical discussions
• Collaborating with Sales, Service, and Applications teams to solve customer challenges

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone with strong technical expertise and a customer‑focused mindset:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  or equivalent hands‑on experience in a similar industry
• Experience in Applications Engineering or a similar technical, customer‑facing role
• Strong CNC knowledge and programming experience (5‑axis preferred)
• Solid troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to customers
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

Location & Travel

• Ideally based within 2 hours of Auburn Hills, MI
• We may consider candidates outside this range based on experience
• Regional travel required, with occasional national travel

Why Makino?

• Work with advanced machining technology and complex applications
• Be part of a collaborative, technical team
• Gain exposure to a wide variety of customer challenges and industries
• Opportunity to grow and advance your career

At Makino, we invest in our people—offering competitive pay, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow your career while working with industry‑leading technology.

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance and continuous learning opportunities
• Career development and advancement opportunitiesEmployee assistance programs and wellness resources

Makino is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics as defined by federal, state, or local law.