CNC Applications Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Applications Engineer – CNC Machine Tools (West Coast)

Territory : San Francisco Bay Area + Washington & Oregon (West Coast Only)

Employment Type : Direct Hire

Compensation : $48–$58 / hour (Overtime Eligible)

Position Overview

A leading CNC machine tool integrator is seeking a highly skilled Applications Engineer to support customers across the West Coast, with a primary focus on Northern California, Washington, and Oregon. This role is ideal for a technically strong, customer-facing engineer who can own projects end-to-end —from programming and setup to testing, optimization, and customer training.

This is not a repetitive role. Machines are imported as base platforms and custom-built to customer specifications , meaning no two machines—or problems—are the same. The successful Applications Engineer will thrive in a dynamic environment that requires adaptability, patience, and deep CNC expertise.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Customer Application Support

Support customers with CNC machine tools both remotely and on-site, ensuring machines are programmed, set up, and running efficiently.

Programming & Process Development

Write CNC programs from scratch for new, never-before-seen parts

Develop tooling paths, select tooling, conduct time studies, and optimize tool life

Modify and optimize existing programs as needed

Support tight-tolerance applications (aerospace, medical, automotive, complex components)

Machine Setup & Validation

Take projects from A–Z : setup, programming, running parts, testing, and validating machine performance before and after customer delivery.

Customer Training

Train operators and maintenance personnel on machine operation, programming, and best practices—often stepping in when customer operators leave or turnover occurs.

Sales Collaboration (50 / 50 Split)

Work closely with the sales team to support machine demos, time studies, and application feasibility

Explain machine capabilities, workholding, tooling strategies, and process advantages to customers

Help drive additional sales through technical expertise and customer confidence

Field & Office Balance

Some weeks may be entirely customer-facing; others may be office-based supporting sales, programming, or time studies

Flexibility is key—workload depends on customer demand

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work alongside automation teams (automation knowledge not required)

Partner with engineering, product, and regional teams across the organization

Travel Expectations & Support

Territory includes Northern California, Washington, and Oregon (West Coast only)

Typical travel : 60–70%

Occasional longer trips (2 weeks to 1 month) are rare but possible

Travel model :

Company credit card provided

$75 / day per diem

Mileage reimbursed

Hotels fully covered

Paid from the moment you leave your house until you return

Additional per diem if returning home after 9 : 00 PM

Travel is typically Monday–Friday ; weekends are yours

Technology & Equipment

Primary focus :

FANUC controls (MUST-HAVE / critical requirement)

Additional machine lines include :

Okuma

Nakamura

Weiler Lathes (Siemens controls – limited exposure)

Machines support a wide range of industries and applications requiring high precision and complex machining strategies .

Ideal Background

Experience

Strong hands-on CNC Applications Engineering experience

Background as a Field Service Engineer transitioning into Applications Engineering is highly successful in this role

Experience owning full CNC projects (setup, programming, testing, customer support)

Programming

Comfortable writing programs from scratch , not just optimization

Experience with CAM systems (Gibbs, Mastercam, etc. — all transferable)

Strong understanding of machining strategies, tooling, materials, and machine behavior

Controls

• Deep experience with FANUC controls across machine tools (essential)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering preferred

Equivalent hands-on experience strongly considered

You should be proficient in :