Position Summary
The CNC Applications Manager will lead and develop a team of highly skilled machining application engineers to drive world-class CNC programming, process optimization, and machining strategy development. This hands-on leadership role requires deep technical expertise in CNC programming, tooling, and process design, as well as the ability to define investment strategies that align with business goals for productivity, project commitments, and cost efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
* Create, Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of CNC applications engineers.
* Foster a culture of technical excellence and commitment to deadlines
* Identify skill gaps and implement training and development programs for the team.
Technical & Programming Expertise
* Demonstrate hands-on CNC programming expertise across multiple platforms (e.g., Fanuc, Mazak,).
* Establish right solution approach for runners, repeaters and stranger projects.
* Develop and validate machining programs for complex components using CAM software
* Establish machining standards, best practices, and process documentation for setup, tooling, and inspection.
* Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts for complex machining challenges.
Machining Strategy & Process Optimization
* Develop and implement machining strategies that improve RFT and efficient manufacturing.
* Evaluate and optimize cutting tools, work holding, and process flow to enhance productivity and reduce cycle times.
* Collaborate with product design and manufacturing engineering to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability (DFM).
* Analyse and standardize machining parameters and methods to ensure consistency and scalability.
* Able to appraise drawings for cycle and process times for quotation creation.
Investment & Capability Development
* Define capital investment strategies for machining equipment, tooling, and technology upgrades.
* Build business cases for new equipment acquisitions
* Stay abreast of advancements in CNC technology, tooling, automation, and Industry 4.0 applications to maintain competitive advantage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Partner with operations, quality, and design teams to deliver robust and optimised, cost-effective machining solutions.
* Support new product introductions (NPI) with efficient and scalable machining processes.
* Ensure alignment of CNC capability development with organizational goals and customer requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
* Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
* Minimum 8–10 years of experience in CNC machining, programming, and applications engineering.
* Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring technical teams.
* Advanced proficiency in 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programming and CAM software.
* Strong knowledge of cutting tools, materials, speeds/feeds, and machining process optimization.
* Experience with fixture design, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
Preferred:
Experience in a precision manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace, medical, automotive, energy).
Knowledge of CNC automation systems (robotic tending, pallet pools, tool management systems).
Familiarity with ERP/MES integration and digital manufacturing tools.
Key Competencies
Hands-On Leadership – Leads by example with strong technical proficiency.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Strategic Thinking – Develops long-term machining and investment strategies.
Collaboration – Works effectively across departments and with leadership teams.
Innovation – Drives technology adoption and continuous improvement.
Results Orientation – Focused on performance, quality, and business outcomes