Application Engineer

Are you a hands‑on machining expert with a passion for solving complex manufacturing challenges? Seco Tools is seeking a skilled Application Engineer based in Charlotte, NC to support our customers through advanced tooling solutions, process optimization, and technical leadership. In this high‑impact role, you will work closely with customers and cross‑functional Seco teams to design, implement, and improve machining applications that deliver real productivity gains.

Welcome to Seco!

We are a global, innovative company with a strong sense of community. At Seco, we believe in supporting each other’s growth, championing diverse perspectives, and creating opportunities for professional development. If you’re looking for a workplace that values technical excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity, we’d love to meet you!

About Us

We’re a people company in the machining business. For more than 80 years, our tooling solutions have shaped the world around us—from the precision parts in your everyday devices to the cars, planes, and medical equipment you rely on. Even iconic structures like Chicago’s Millennium Park Bean were created using tools we helped make possible. We take pride in our impact and invite you to help shape the future of manufacturing with us.

About Your Role

As an Application Engineer, you will be a trusted technical expert for our customers and internal teams. You’ll lead the development, optimization, and implementation of tooling applications across milling, turning, drilling, threading, and more. Your work will directly influence machining performance, tool life, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.You will collaborate closely with Regional Sales, Application Specialists, Technical Sales Engineers, and Product Engineering to deliver customized solutions that improve our customers’ performance and strengthen Seco’s position as a strategic partner.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the development and optimization of tooling applications for turning, milling, drilling, and threading.
• Design and refine machining strategies to improve productivity, tool life, and part quality.
• Collaborate with R&D and product engineering teams to provide field‑based insights into tool design, coatings, and materials.
• Use CAM software and simulation tools to verify and optimize tool paths.

Customer Engagement

• Partner with sales teams to deliver technical support, presales consultations, and tooling recommendations.
• Conduct on‑site visits to diagnose machining challenges and implement tooling solutions.
• Lead or support customer trials, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Provide training on tool usage, machining best practices, and emerging technologies.

Custom Tooling Solutions

• Develop or modify tools to meet specific customer requirements in collaboration with Design Engineering.
• Prepare application reports, machining parameters, and other technical documentation.
• Assess feasibility and performance of custom tooling concepts.

Operational and Strategic Oversight

• Manage and prioritize engineering activities across multiple projects.
• Monitor KPIs related to tool performance, cycle time improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to enhance workflows, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect and evaluate performance data from field trials and customer feedback.
• Document case studies and success stories to support internal learning and marketing.
• Track customer project metrics including productivity gains and cost savings.

Industry Awareness & Continuous Learning

• Stay current on machining trends, materials, coatings, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Participate in trade shows, training programs, and technical seminars.
• Benchmark competitor tooling strategies to support product positioning.

Seco Ambassador Responsibilities

• Serve as a Seco brand ambassador, upholding our Values, Principles, and Code of Conduct.
• Continuously expand your knowledge of Seco products, technologies, and manufacturing quality.
• Contribute to improvement initiatives and maintain adherence to internal processes.

You Bring the Following Skills, Traits, and Interests

• Recognized technical training or education in machining, mechanics, or production (e.g., Bac+2 to Bac+5, Certificate III/IV, NVQ Level 3, Journeyman) or 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in machining, toolmaking, or manufacturing operations.
• Strong technical expertise in machining processes (turning, milling, drilling).
• Experience supporting or selling technical solutions in B2B environments, ideally metal cutting.
• Excellent communication, customer service mindset, and strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience is a plus.
• Ability to read part drawings, analyze machining conditions, and develop optimized tooling solutions.
• Willingness to travel within the assigned region.
• Fluent verbal and written English skills required; additional languages are a plus.

Our Seco Culture

At Seco, our culture is built on four shared values that guide how we work and how we show up for one another every day. We Win Together by collaborating across teams and geographies, supporting each other, and celebrating shared success. We Stay Curious, continuously learning, innovating, and exploring new ways to shape the future of machining. We Act Responsibly, operating with integrity and care—for our colleagues, our customers, our communities, and the planet. And above all, We Put Customers at the Center, listening closely, understanding their challenges, and delivering meaningful solutions that create real value.We believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people. Different perspectives and experiences fuel better ideas, stronger partnerships, and more impactful outcomes. At Seco, you’ll find an inclusive, welcoming environment where you can grow your skills, expand your expertise, and make a lasting contribution.To learn more about our people, our culture, and what makes Seco a great place to build your career, connect with us on our website, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes

• Base salary with performance‑based incentives
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Robust 401(k) plan with up to 8% auto/matching contribution
• Wellness incentives and paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Company car, laptop, iPad, and phone