Applications Engineer

APPLICATIONS ENGINEER

JOB DETAILS

• Department: Engineering
• Reports to: Applications Engineering Team Leader
• FLSA status: Exempt
• Travel: Up to 10% (or less)

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is responsible for planning, designing, developing, programming, and installing machinery and equipment within our machining facilities. You’ll partner with engineering, maintenance, and operations to implement automation/robotics solutions, support new product launches, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, uptime, and cycle time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create automation concepts and machining fixture designs using AutoCAD and Inventor.
• Develop, build, and implement controls packages (PLC, robot, HMI) for new processes.
• Design and build fixtures, EOAT, robot stands, and dedicated machines.
• Support integration of new and redeployed equipment; troubleshoot and debug robotic systems.
• Program and modify Fanuc robots, including teach pendant operation, user/tool frames, I/O configuration, reference positions, path creation, and DCS safety/work zones.
• Support new program launches, including process development, product/design support, testing, and corrective actions.
• Program and modify leak test programs, vision systems, PLC controllers, HMI interfaces, and CNC programs.
• Build and install electrical cabinets and machine-control wiring for automation integration projects; interface with high (480V) and low (<50V) voltage as needed.
• Create and update electrical drawings using AutoCAD.
• Read and interpret customer part prints and tooling updates for CNC programming purposes.
• Program CNC machines/controllers (3-axis/4-axis/5-axis, lathes, Fanuc).
• Support continuous improvement to reduce scrap, increase uptime, and decrease cycle time; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions using methods such as 8D, Six Sigma, and 5-Why.
• Distribute technical information and train operations/maintenance teams to support new installations, upgrades, and modifications.
• Ensure installations and equipment modifications meet performance expectations and schedule requirements.
• Travel to customer and equipment vendor sites as needed; work any shift/weekends when required.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies; maintain an organized work area aligned with Gibbs 7-S guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience programming six-axis robots and CNC controllers.
• 2+ years experience with Fanuc robot programming (TP and background logic), I/O integration, and DCS configuration.
• 2+ years experience with PLC/HMI development and integration, vision systems, leak test systems, and CNC programming in a production environment.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and Inventor.
• Ability to read and interpret prints/blueprints and troubleshoot equipment and controls.
• Ability to work safely around industrial machinery and electrical systems while following PPE, environmental, and quality requirements.

Preferred

• Associate’s degree in a related field.