APPLICATIONS ENGINEER

Owen Industries•Carter Lake, IA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for a senior-level Applications Engineer to serve as our go-to technical expert for CNC laser cutting and press brake operations across three facilities. This is a hands-on, shop floor role with real impact — you'll own the optimization of our laser and press brake processes, build standardized systems that outlast any single person, and develop the operators and programmers who run our equipment every day. You'll report directly to the COO and work cross-functionally with plant managers, fabrication managers, quality, and sales teams. If you're the kind of person who gets energized by solving tough process problems, building things from the ground up, and leaving a facility better than you found it — this role was built for you.

Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years of hands-on experience in CNC laser cutting and/or press brake operations in a metal fabrication or steel service center environment.
Expert-level knowledge of 2D CNC fiber laser cutting operations including parameter optimization, gas selection, focus settings, and cut quality troubleshooting; strong working knowledge of press brake setup, tooling selection, and bend sequencing.
Proficiency in TRUMPF Boost and Sigmanest; familiarity with additional platforms (Eagle, Penta, Messer, Cincinnati, Accurpress) a plus.
Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings including GD&T; solid knowledge of steel grades and material properties and their impact on cutting and forming.
Excellent communication and training skills — you can explain complex technical concepts clearly to operators at any experience level.
Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities across three sites; comfortable driving change without direct authority over the people you'll need to influence.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with additional platforms (Eagle, Penta, Messer, Cincinnati, Accurpress) a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain optimized cutting parameter libraries for all laser platforms (TRUMPF, Eagle, Penta, Messer) by material type, thickness, and grade; diagnose and resolve cut quality issues to ensure consistent results at maximum machine speeds.
Lead the development of offline press brake programming; build standardized programs with specific tooling callouts, bend sequences, and setup instructions to reduce changeover time and eliminate operator-dependent variation.
Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laser cutting, press brake forming, and machine setup across all three facilities.
Develop and deliver training programs for laser operators, press brake operators, and programmers; conduct skills assessments and build a pipeline of technically proficient internal talent.
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on automation and software platforms (TRUMPF LiftMaster, Boost, Sigmanest); evaluate future automation investments and drive adoption of underutilized capabilities.
Track and report on key performance metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap rate, setup time); collaborate with plant leadership to drive continuous improvement and align production capabilities with customer requirements.