CNC Applications Manager

Smiths Group•Elmwood Park, NJ

About The Position

The CNC Applications Manager provides technical leadership for CNC programming, machining-process development, tooling applications, workholding, machine prove-outs, and manufacturing optimization. The role develops reliable, efficient machining solutions for complex, tight-tolerance components using multi-axis milling, turning, horizontal machining centers, and mill-turn machining centers. It works closely with engineering, production, quality, machinists, programmers, suppliers, and equipment vendors to improve safety, quality, delivery, cycle time, tool life, and machine utilization. The position also provides hands-on shop-floor support, trains CNC personnel, standardizes programming practices, and leads continuous-improvement projects. Responsibilities span CNC programming and process development; tooling and applications management; setup, prove-out, and production support; and technical leadership and training.

Requirements

Extensive hands-on CNC manufacturing experience in programming, setup, prove-out, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
Advanced proficiency with Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software.
Demonstrated experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining centers and lathes.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, and machining specifications.
Strong knowledge of cutting tools, holders, coatings, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.
Experience machining complex, precision, or tight-tolerance components.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple technical priorities.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, CNC lathes, and mill-turn machines using Mastercam or similar CAD/CAM software.
Develop machining processes from drawing review through production release, reviewing drawings, models, specifications, tolerances, and surface-finish requirements before production.
Apply machining strategies for complex geometries, tight-tolerance components, and difficult-to-machine materials.
Maintain organized CNC program, setup, tooling, and process-documentation libraries to support repeatability and revision control.
Lead selection and application of cutting tools, toolholders, coatings, inserts, and machining strategies.
Evaluate tooling technologies and machining methods to improve productivity, tool life, surface finish, dimensional control, and process reliability; standardize successful applications.
Develop tooling packages, setup sheets, tool lists, and standardized cutting-data recommendations.
Analyze CNC programs and production processes to identify inefficient toolpaths, non-value-added motion, excessive handling, unnecessary tool changes, and avoidable machine delays.
Lead cycle-time reduction and machine-utilization improvements while protecting dimensional accuracy, surface finish, process capability, and product integrity; establish baselines and document measurable results.
Provide hands-on support for CNC setup, first-run prove-out, first-piece inspection, and production launch.
Troubleshoot CNC programming, tooling, setup, dimensional, surface-finish, and machining-performance problems; respond to production issues affecting safety, quality, delivery, or machine uptime.
Coordinate corrective actions with machinists, programmers, manufacturing engineers, maintenance personnel, and quality representatives.
Modify CNC programs and machining methods to stabilize production and prevent recurring problems; support root-cause analysis for machining-related nonconformances and process failures.
Provide technical direction to CNC programmers, setup personnel, machinists, and manufacturing support employees.
Train employees in Mastercam, CNC programming, setup practices, tooling applications, troubleshooting, and process-development methods.
Develop programming standards, templates, checklists, and best practices; serve as the primary technical resource for advanced CNC machining applications.