Application Engineer

We are supporting a manufacturing business on a hands-on CNC engineering role, focused on developing, proving, and optimising machining processes directly on the shop floor.

This is not a traditional desk-based CAM role, and it is not sales or pre-sales focused. The position sits at the heart of machining performance, owning CNC methods from customer drawing through offline programming, prove-out, and into stable production.

The remit is to deliver robust, repeatable and cost-effective machining processes, with a strong emphasis on cycle time improvement, process stability, and continuous improvement at the machine.

What the role involves

• Developing high-quality offline CNC programs for complex components, including multi-axis machining
• Creating CAD models and defining machining strategies, tooling, fixtures, and setup documentation
• Leading prove-outs, cutting trials, and process optimisation on the shop floor
• Troubleshooting machining issues such as chatter, tool wear, dimensional variation, and alarms
• Embedding improvements into standard methods rather than firefighting recurring problems
• Applying lean and continuous improvement principles to CNC processes (e.g. time studies, waste reduction, setup optimisation)
• Working closely with tooling suppliers, production teams, and engineering stakeholders
• Supporting new machine introductions and capability development
• Providing accurate cycle times and technical input to support bids and planning

What we’re looking for

This role will suit an engineer who:

• Has strong CNC machining and CAM experience (e.g. Powermill or similar)
• Is comfortable moving between offline programming and hands-on shop-floor involvement
• Enjoys improving processes at source rather than producing CAM programs in isolation
• Has a solid understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, materials, and tolerances
• Is confident supporting prove-outs, early production, and technical problem-solving
• Values repeatability, robustness, and continuous improvement

Backgrounds often aligned with this role include:

• CNC Machinists who have transitioned into CAM / process engineering
• Manufacturing or Production Engineers with deep machining expertise
• CNC Applications or Process Engineers in low-volume, high-complexity environments

Why consider this role?

• Genuine shop-floor influence and technical ownership
• Opportunity to work on complex components and advanced machining
• A role focused on process improvement and stability
• Long-term opportunity to shape machining capability within the business