Applications Engineer - Aerospace Center of Excellence

DN SOLUTIONS AMERICA CORPORATION•Schaumburg, IL

21h•$90,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Applications Engineer for the Aerospace Center of Excellence develops and demonstrates advanced machining processes for aerospace and defense customers. Based at the Chicago Technical Center and reporting to the Aerospace COE Lead, this person works on customer evaluations, turnkey projects, test cuts, and production validation. The role is hands-on, from programming and setup through prove-out and documentation, in collaboration with DN Solutions and HELLER technical teams.

Requirements

At least five years of CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or applications engineering experience, including experience with aerospace or other precision components.
Hands-on ability to program, set up, and prove out complex 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining processes.
Experience with difficult materials, cutting tools, work holding, and inspection methods.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer quality requirements.
Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, G-code troubleshooting, and cycle-time analysis.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, or equivalent industry experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with DN Solutions or HELLER machining centers and their control platforms.
Experience with Siemens NX, hyperMILL, Mastercam, VERICUT, or comparable CAM and verification tools.
Familiarity with aerospace and defense customer requirements, AS9100 quality systems, and applicable export-control and security requirements.
Experience with automation, in-process measurement, or production validation.

Responsibilities

Develop assigned aerospace applications from part review and feasibility through process planning, programming, test cutting, validation, and customer handoff under the direction of the Aerospace COE Lead.
Develop multi-axis milling strategies for complex aerospace and defense components involving difficult materials, tight tolerances, and demanding surface requirements.
Select and validate cutting tools, fixtures, probing, and inspection methods to achieve quality and cycle-time targets.
Program, set up, and prove out applications on DN Solutions and HELLER machines as appropriate to the project.
Manage assigned project schedules and communicate technical risks, results, and support needs to the COE Lead and project team.
Support pre-sale activities, including application evaluations, cycle-time studies, technical proposals, machine demonstrations, and customer test cuts.
Present process recommendations and validated results to customer engineering and manufacturing teams in coordination with the COE Lead and sales team.
Support customer production startup, process optimization, and personnel training, as needed.
Collaborate with HQ Applications Engineering, R&D, HELLER, product management, service, tooling partners, and applications engineers to resolve technical issues and develop application solutions.
Document programs, setups, tooling, cycle times, inspection results, and lessons learned while contributing to repeatable application methods, COE demonstrations, and technical events such as open houses and trade shows.