Technical Data Specialist

Technical Data Specialist

The Technical Data Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining machine option codes, descriptions, configuration rules, and engineering data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability across approved systems. This role coordinates and streamlines the Engineering Quotation process, supports data quality and reporting initiatives, maintains compliance with established standards, and helps improve business processes and product configuration accuracy. Acting as a technical liaison for engineering, this position combines technical knowledge, data stewardship, and process improvement to support efficient operations and informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented, with a passion for continuous improvement and data integrity. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the accuracy and effectiveness of engineering systems that support Okuma's industry-leading CNC machine tool solutions.

How You'll Make an Impact

- Coordinate and process incoming Requests for Engineering Quotations (RFEQs), including tracking status and reporting key metrics.

- Maintain machine option codes, descriptions, configuration rules, and related engineering databases to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and usability.

- Promote data quality and compliance with established naming, numbering, and configuration standards.

- Identify and support opportunities to improve product configuration, reporting, data quality, and business processes.

- Collaborate with engineering and other business units to support business objectives and operational effectiveness.

- Serve as a technical resource for engineering data management and product configuration initiatives.

- Adhere to all company employment policies and safe work practices.

- Perform other duties as assigned and proactively explore opportunities to add value through process improvements, new initiatives, and cost-saving opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

- Experience with Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) systems and product configuration processes.

- Experience working with SQL databases, data analysis, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms such as Excel, Power BI, Alteryx, or similar tools preferred.

- Prior experience with CNC machine tools desired.

- Experience with 2D and 3D CAD software preferred.

Technical Knowledge

- Working knowledge of engineering data management, reporting tools, and SQL databases.

- Familiarity with current manufacturing technologies, Okuma's new and enhanced products, models, controls, and options.

- Skilled at progressing from problem statements to proposing researched technical solutions.

Professional Competencies

- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage a range of responsibilities and competing priorities while working under pressure to meet deadlines.

- Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and data quality and drive technical solutions to completion.

- Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet regular deadlines.

- Desire and drive for personal and professional growth through training, certifications, and ongoing development.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.

- Effective communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.

The Okuma Difference

At Okuma, innovation is more than a goal. It is part of who we are. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools, we invest in advanced technology, employee development, and strong customer relationships. Our team members enjoy a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and professional growth are encouraged.

When you join Okuma, you become part of an organization that values excellence, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to helping both employees and customers succeed. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workplace safety, employee well-being, and organizational success.

Supporting Your Success

At Okuma, we invest in our employees' well-being and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes structured bonus opportunities, a pension plan, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, wellness and gym reimbursement programs, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible scheduling options.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Okuma America Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the application process and perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Qualifications

Experience/Training/Education •    Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
•    Experience with CPQ systems and product configuration processes
•    Experience working with SQL databases, data analysis, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms such as Excel, Power BI, Alteryx, or similar tools preferred
•    Prior experience with CNC machine tools desired
•    Experience with 2D and 3D cad preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
General: 
•    Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage a range of responsibilities and competing priorities while working under pressure to meet deadlines
•    Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and data quality and drive technical solutions to completion
•    Superb time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet regular deadlines
•    Desire and drive for personal and professional growth through trainings, certifications, etc.

Technical:  
•    Working knowledge of engineering data management, reporting tools, and SQL databases
•    Familiarity with current manufacturing technologies, Okuma’s new and enhanced products, models, controls, and options
•    Skilled at progressing from problem statement to proposing researched technical solutions.

Communication: 
•    Strong written and verbal technical communication skills
•    Exceptional ability to speak and write effectively in a business environment
•    Exceptional ability to ask necessary questions

Math & Reasoning: 
•    Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
•    Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
•    Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and willingness to adapt to change and take initiative

Physical and Environmental Elements Physical Demands: 
•    Ability to sit continuously for over three quarters of the normal work shift, and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for at least one fourth of the normal work shift
•    Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds 
•    Ability to stoop, crouch and reach 
•    Ability to talk or hear continuously
•    Ability to see clearly to do all work-related tasks (clear or corrected vision at 20 inches or less) 
•    Finger dexterity is required frequently for over 3/4 of the normal work shift including operating a phone, computer/ electronic equipment, and electronic tools

Work Environment: 
•    Most of the position’s functions are performed in the office environment with standard equipment and moderate noise levels (examples: computers, printers, fax, copiers, light traffic, and phone)
•    Occasional work in the Okuma warehouse/showroom. Thus, the employee may work in an open warehouse area where temperatures may be subject to outdoor conditions in terms of cold and heat.  There is exposure to various tools and equipment as well as forklift operations and corresponding noise levels

Special Requirements
•    Maintain annual OSHA safety certifications as required by job duties
•    Driving record that is insurable
•    May need to travel occasionally (up to 5%)
•    Must live within reasonable commutable distance to corporate office