Application Engineer - Precision Machine Tools and Automation

COMPANY OVERVIEW:
UNISIG specializes in the design, engineering, and production of high-performance, precision CNC machine tools and automation. As an industry leader, our machines, whether custom-built or express-ordered, are in demand across the globe. Equipped with advanced tools and systems, our highly skilled workforce brings innovation, expertise, and value to all facets of the process, delivering a product that meets or exceeds our customers' expectations.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Application Engineer works with innovative applications and customers around the world, applying state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to solve complex problems. This role bridges customer requirements, engineering design, and manufacturing execution, with a technical focus on deep hole drilling, deep hole machining, and process automation. This role plays a critical role in customer success - from initial quoting and application development through project execution, final runoff, and long-term technical support. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable collaborating across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, service, sales, and directly with customers. As part of an OEM environment, this role influences all stages of the process. This role offers a rewarding blend of professional and hands-on responsibilities, connecting practical experience with design, analysis, and theory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
*Analyze customer workpiece requirements and develop deep hole drilling and deep hole machining processes to meet requirements
*Collaborate with leading tooling companies to select tooling, determine machining parameters, and estimate cycle times
*Define machine configurations and specifications required to meet application and process objectives
*For automated projects, determine operation sequences, system cycle time, and automation interfaces
*Provide machine selection and accessory configuration information to technical sales for quoting
*Create tool setup documentation and manufacturing process drawings, including Bills of Materials, for use in the tech center and on customer projects
*Develop special tools, fixtures, accessories, and machine designs in conjunction with design engineering
*Create conceptual design elements for machines, processes, and automated cells in conjunction with product development
*Participate in process development and theory validation in the UNISIG technical center
*Participate in process development for customer projects in build, support during runoff, and training
*Apply troubleshooting and development disciplines in an engineering lab setting with documentation
*Provide ongoing application support and troubleshooting as customers use their machines

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
*Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent combination of education/experience in a related technical field.
*Experience with precision CNC machining and cutting tools (deep hole drilling experience is a plus but not required)
*Experience with precision measurement and statistical process controls for production
*Experience designing tools and fixtures using 2D CAD, 3D CAD or CAM software
*Demonstrated success learning how things work at a deep level, such as material science or metal cutting theory, and using those concepts to achieve technical successes in difficult applications
*Ability to interpret customer requirements and translate them into robust machine concepts.
*Experience supporting or developing technical proposals and customer-facing documentation that are technically sound, manufacturable, and competitive.
*Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
*Ability to plan and execute testing and validation activities to reduce technical risk and improve design quality
*Align with UNISIG Core Values: Driven to perform; Solve problems, don't create them; Strong individual who values a team; Desire to find what's next; Committed to detail and consistency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
*Regularly sits throughout the day
*Regularly utilizes depth perception, peripheral vision, and close focus
*Regularly operates a computer, computer accessories, and phone equipment
*Occasionally required to lift 25 pounds unassisted
*Occasionally stands and moves throughout the shop
*Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, reaches, and carries