Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

At Okuma America Corporation, we are committed to helping manufacturers achieve exceptional productivity through innovative CNC technologies, application expertise, and long-term customer partnerships. As an Applications Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader supporting sales initiatives, distributor development, customer success, and advanced manufacturing projects.

This role is focused on 4-axis and 5-axis milling technologies, Laser EX integrations, and other high-performance machining solutions. The Senior Applications Engineer partners closely with customers, distributors, and internal teams to develop machining processes, conduct demonstrations, provide advanced technical support, and ensure successful implementation of Okuma solutions across a variety of industries.

How You'll Make an Impact

- Provide application engineering support for Okuma's milling, 5-axis, and laser-integrated machining solutions.

- Partner with sales teams, distributors, and customers to develop and implement innovative manufacturing processes.

- Lead demonstrations, training programs, and technical evaluations that drive customer success and business growth.

- Support turnkey projects, machine validations, and process improvement initiatives from concept through production.

- Serve as a trusted technical advisor, delivering expertise, documentation, and recommendations that strengthen customer relationships and maximize machine performance.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Education & Experience

- High School Diploma or equivalent.

- Trade school certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent machining/manufacturing experience.

- Significant manufacturing and machining experience with CNC machine tools.

- Experience supporting customers, distributors, or production teams in a technical environment.

- Ability to travel extensively to support customer visits, distributor activities, machine demonstrations, training programs, trade shows, and project-related initiatives.

Technical Expertise

- Advanced knowledge of CNC machine tools and controls, preferably Okuma controls.

- Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis machining technologies.

- Knowledge of machining processes, tooling, fixturing, workholding, and manufacturing best practices.

- Knowledge of current cutting tool technologies and machining strategies.

- Familiarity with manual and hydraulic workholding systems.

- Experience working with CAD/CAM and manufacturing software platforms.

- Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC).

- Proficiency with mathematics, technical analysis, written communication, and report preparation.

- Ability to prepare technical reports, presentations, and customer-facing documentation.

- Familiarity with software and tools such as VeriCut, CAD/CAM systems, AOT, CAS, 3DVM, and modeling software.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.

- Machine tool industry experience.

- Experience with laser-integrated machining technologies and/or robotic automation systems.

- Expertise supporting complex customer applications, turnkey projects, and advanced manufacturing processes.

- Experience serving industries such as aerospace, energy, medical, construction, or fluid power.

- Strong presentation, training, project management, and problem-solving skills.

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 customer success. You'll have opportunities to influence corporate growth strategies, strengthen our market presence, and help shape the future of digital engagement and business development within manufacturing.

Supporting Your Success

At Okuma, we invest in our employees' well-being and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive bonus opportunities, pension and 401(k) plans, medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, 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
•    Associates Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Machine Tool Technology, or Trade Schooling
•    Solid foundation in machining and process determination
•    Understanding of tooling specifics, cutting practices, raw material familiarity, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
•    3 - 5 years’ experience with Okuma or common competitor types of equipment
•    Proficiency in preparing programs via CAD/CAM
•    Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Excel, Word)
•    Experience with 2D/3D CAD Systems (Autocad, Solidworks, Creo, etc.)

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
•    Superb time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet regular and frequent deadlines

Technical:  
•    CNC Operation & Programming
•    Workholding Principles
•    Cutting Tool Principles
•    CAD/CAM - 2D & 3D
•    Ability to create technical documentation 
•    Familiarity with current manufacturing technologies, Okuma’s new and enhanced products, models, controls, and options

Communication: 
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as exceptional listening 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 half of the normal work shift, and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for at least half 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, electronic tools, pallet jack, and forklift

Work Environment: 
•    About half 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)
•    The other half of the position’s functions are performed either at a customer site or in the Okuma warehouse/ showroom. Will often interact with the production/warehouse environment. 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 40%)