Application Engineering Manager

Chicago Metro Area, Illinois


Apply Save

Type: Direct-Hire

Category: Engineering

Reference ID: 10080465

Shortcut: http://addisongroup.gosnaphop.com/N3QQIU


Application Engineering Manager

Location: Schaumburg, IL

Employment Status: Full Time

Level: Management

Salary Range: $140,000–$160,000

Travel: Approximately 10%

Position Overview

A leading global manufacturer of CNC machine tools and advanced manufacturing solutions is seeking an Application Engineering Manager to serve as the operational leader of its Applications Engineering organization at a major Chicago-area Technical Center.

The facility is undergoing a significant transformation and investment focused on advanced manufacturing, automation, digital manufacturing, turnkey solutions, and engineering excellence.

Reporting directly to the Director of Applications Engineering, this individual will serve as the Director’s right hand and own the day-to-day leadership, execution, and technical operations of the department. The role will ensure engineering priorities are executed, customer commitments are met, demonstrations and turnkey projects are successfully delivered, and the engineering team continues operating at a high level.

This is a hands-on technical leadership position for someone who has built their career through CNC machining and manufacturing engineering and can lead engineers while remaining actively engaged in complex technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the daily operations of the Applications Engineering Department, coordinating engineering priorities, workloads, schedules, and technical resources.
  • Ensure successful execution of customer demonstrations, turnkey projects, machine validations, training events, and engineering activities.
  • Maintain Technical Center and showroom readiness, ensuring machines remain customer-ready.
  • Lead execution of major demonstrations, open houses, customer events, and strategic engineering initiatives.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop Applications Engineers while driving accountability, ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Support customer visits, executive demonstrations, technical presentations, machine evaluations, and manufacturing assessments.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Service, Operations, Facilities, Marketing, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful project execution.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with strategic manufacturing technology partners.
  • Establish engineering standards, best practices, processes, and technical documentation.
  • Identify process improvements and remove technical or operational obstacles impacting engineering execution.
  • Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and development of engineering personnel.
  • Ensure continuity of engineering operations while supporting global initiatives and collaborating with international engineering teams.

Technical Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience will receive equal consideration.
  • Minimum 8 years of progressive hands-on experience within CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, machine tool applications, or turnkey manufacturing.
  • Previous hands-on experience as a CNC Machinist, CNC Programmer, Manufacturing Engineer, Applications Engineer, or similar manufacturing position.
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams while remaining actively involved in engineering activities.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with:
    • CNC machine setup and programming
    • Machine/process prove-out
    • Tooling selection
    • Workholding
    • Fixture design
    • Machining and process optimization
  • Expert knowledge of multi-axis machining, mill-turn, and multitasking machine tools.
  • Experience with Fanuc and/or Siemens CNC controls.
  • Experience with one or more major CAM platforms, including Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, hyperMILL, ESPRIT, GibbsCAM, or similar.
  • Strong understanding of advanced workholding, cutting tools, fixture design, manufacturing strategy, and machining process optimization.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer-facing capabilities.

Ideal Background

This position is designed for someone who built their career through hands-on manufacturing experience and has personally programmed CNC machines, set up machine tools, proven out new processes, selected tooling/workholding, and solved difficult machining problems.

The Application Engineering Manager must be able to provide credible technical leadership to experienced engineers. Team members should be able to approach this individual with a programming issue, machining problem, fixture concept, or process challenge and receive guidance from someone who has personally performed similar work.

The ideal individual will be equally comfortable on the shop floor troubleshooting a manufacturing problem, mentoring engineers, meeting with customers, presenting technical solutions, coordinating complex projects, and leading a high-performing Applications Engineering organization.

Success will require someone who takes ownership, anticipates problems, removes obstacles for the engineering team, develops technical talent, and consistently drives projects through execution.

Work Environment

  • Based onsite at a major Chicago-area manufacturing Technical Center in Schaumburg, IL.
  • Hands-on environment combining engineering leadership, CNC machining, customer demonstrations, turnkey manufacturing projects, and advanced manufacturing technology.
  • Approximately 10% travel.
  • Regular interaction with customers, technology partners, internal engineering teams, sales, service, operations, and executive leadership.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • 401(k)
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and short-term disability
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Employee referral program
  • Professional development and growth opportunities


  • Press Brake Forming Engineer Manager

    Grand Prairie, TX

    Press Brake Forming Engineer/Manager Dallas, Texas Direct Hire $80,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on experience Work Schedule: Day shift, approximately 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) This estab...

    Recommended

  • Production Manager

    Grand Prairie, TX

    Production Manager Grand Prairie, TX - onsite 5x a week Direct Hire - Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without assistance. Pay: $115,000 - 125,000+ annually, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus pot...

    Recommended

  • Production Manager

    Delmont, PA

    Production Supervisor Status: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Delmont, PA – Pittsburgh Metro Salary: $75,600–$95,000 Base Salary Reports To: Production Manager Direct Reports: 10–20 production floor employees Position Overview A leading industrial manufact...

    Recommended

  • Proposal Engineer

    Irwin, PA

    Position Title: Proposal Engineer Location: East Pittsburgh, Irwin Contract to Hire: Pay Rate: $30.00 - $33.65 / Per Hour / Range Based on Experience Benefits: This position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Our client who is a m...

    Recommended

  • Lead Product Engineer

    Broken Arrow, OK

    Job Title: Lead Product Engineer Industry: Manufacturing / HVAC / Industrial Fabrication Location (city, state): Broken Arrow, OK Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: Up to $120,000 base salary + target bonus opportunity (10%, with potential up to 20%) Wo...

    Recommended

  • Manufacturing Engineer

    Grand Prairie, TX

    Manufacturing Engineer Direct Hire Grand Prairie, TX - onsite 5x a week Pay: $80,000-100,000 plus performance bonus medical, dental, vision, 401K We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to help improve manufacturing processes across a growing ...

    Recommended

  • MEP Project Executive

    Houston Metro Area, Texas

    Project Executive – MEP (Electrical & Mechanical) Location: Houston, Texas Compensation: $130,000 – $160,000 Role Summary Seeking an experienced Project Executive with 15+ years of commercial MEP construction experience to provide senior leadership acr...

    Recommended

  • Quality Technician

    Broken Arrow, OK

    Job Title: Quality Technician Industry: Manufacturing Location (city, state): Broken Arrow, OK Assignment Type: Direct Hire - Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without assistance. Pay: $28–$35/hour + approximately 2%...

    Recommended

  • Tool & Die Maker

    Cypress, TX

    Job Title: Tool & Die Maker Pay Range: $35 - $40 hourly Benefits: This position is eligible for Medical, Dental, Vison, Life, Voluntary Life insurance, and an amazing 401K program with 25% match Company Location: Cypress, TX TOOL AND DIE MAKER Experien...

    Recommended

  • VP of Operations

    Oklahoma City, OK

    Job Title: Senior Vice President of Operations Industry: Industrial Distribution / Oil & Gas / Industrial Supply Location (City, State): Oklahoma City, OK Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: Starting at $150,000 annually, with flexibility based on experi...

    Recommended

  • Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

    Forney, TX

    Job Title: Senior Automation & Controls Engineer Location (City, State): Forney, TX Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: $125-140K Work Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). About ...

    Recommended

  • MEP Project Manager

    Houston Metro Area, Texas

    Location: Houston, Texas Schedule: Onsite Monday–Friday with regional travel to customer sites Compensation: $100,000-$120,000 Role Overview The MEP Project Manager is responsible for driving and managing project-based sales opportunities across mechan...

    Recommended

  • Product Development Specialist

    Sardis, MS

    Title: Product Development Specialist Status: Exempt, Full-Time Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 Location: Sardis, MS General Overview Our client is seeking a highly organized and hands-on Product Development Specialist to support product innovation, laborato...

    Recommended

  • Director of Environment, Health, and Safety

    Cypress, TX

    Title: Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Status: Exempt/Direct Hire | Full-Time Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000 Base Salary + Annual Bonus Location: Greater Houston, TX (Onsite) Position Overview Our client is seeking an experienced Di...

    Recommended

  • Director of Operations

    Aurora, CO

    Director of Operations Location: Aurora, CO Compensation: $150,000–$200,000 base + annual discretionary bonus Employment Type: Direct Hire Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Schedule: Monday–Friday, in-office with travel to job sites throu...

    Recommended

  • Supply Chain and Finance Manager

    Aplington, IA

    Supply Chain & Finance Manager Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried, Exempt Status Location: Aplington, Iowa 50604 Base Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 Position Overview: A growing manufacturing organization within the windows and building products industry i...

    Recommended

  • Manager of Wildfire Mitigation

    Lancaster, TX

    Title: Manager, Wildfire Mitigation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Dallas–Fort Worth, TX Compensation: $141,873-$213,737 Relocation: Comprehensive Relocation Assistance Available Position Summary As a Manager within our internal Wildfire Mitigati...

    Recommended

  • Production Manager - Manufacturing - Rockwall, TX

    Rockwall, TX

    Production Manager Rockwall, TX | Onsite | $90,000–$120,000 + Performance Bonus Employment Type: Direct Hire Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO and comprehensive benefits Sponsorship: Position in not eligible for sponsorship About the Oppor...

    Recommended

  • Manufacturing Engineer

    Forney, TX

    Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Location (city, state): Forney, TX Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: $85-130K Position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) About The Company: Our client is a rapidly growing manufacturer focused on inno...

    Recommended

  • Production Lead - Edmond, OK

    Edmond, OK

    Production Lead Edmond, OK Direct Hire | Full-Time | On-Site Pay: $23–$25/hour Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday: Approximately 4:00/430 AM – 3:30/4:00 PM Friday: Overtime as needed Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(...

    Recommended

  • QUALITY INSPECTOR

    Tulsa, OK

    SALARY RANGE 115-130K QA/QC Manager – Quality, Welding & Fabrication Seeking an experienced QA/QC leader to own the Quality Management System (QMS) end-to-end and ensure fabricated products meet company standards, customer specifications, and applicabl...

    Recommended

  • Product Engineer

    Oklahoma City Metro Area, Oklahoma

    Job Title: Product Engineer Industry: Automotive Manufacturing / Remanufacturing Location (city, state): Oklahoma City, OK Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: $77,000–$115,000 annually, depending on experience Work Schedule: Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM–2:30 ...

    Recommended

  • Service Manager

    Vernon Hills, IL

    Title: Service Manager Onsite: Monday-Friday Location: Northwest Suburbs - Chicagoland Salary: $90,000-$110,000 + Bonus Benefits: Healthcare, Dental, PTO, 401k Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead all service operatio...

    Recommended

  • Industrial Manufacturing Systems Engineer

    Forney, TX

    Job Title: Industrial Manufacturing Systems Engineer Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering Location (City, State): Forney, TX Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: $85-100K Work Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday Benefits: This positio...

    Recommended

  • Field Service Technician

    Pittsburgh Metro Area, Pennsylvania

    Role: Field Service Technician Pay: $38.94 - $40.86 / hour Eligible for OT Benefits: This role is eligible for medical, dental, bision, HSA, life and short/long term disability insurance, Wellness Rewards and 401K. Location: East Pittsburgh Area, PA Ou...

    Recommended

  • Director of Sales, Wind Energy - REMOTE

    Houston Metro Area, Texas

    Director of Sales & Business Development – Wind Energy Location: Remote | Houston preferred Compensation: $180,000–$300,000+ Base + Performance Bonus Industry: Wind Energy / Renewable Energy Employment Type: Direct Hire Benefits: Medical, Dental, Visio...

    Recommended

  • Demand Planning Coordinator

    Waukegan, IL

    Demand Planning Coordinator, Liquids Employment Status: Full-Time, Salaried/Exempt Location: Waukegan, IL Schedule: Onsite daily Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5 pm CT. Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 Position Overview The Demand Planning Coordinator, Li...

    Recommended

  • Warehouse Supervisor

    Forney, TX

    Warehouse Supervisor Forney, TX Direct Hire $80,000–$90,000 DOE Full-Time | Onsite Shift Options: 1st Shift: Wednesday–Saturday | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM 2nd Shift: Monday–Thursday | 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (External Warehouse) Th...

    Recommended

  • Process Engineer Manager

    Forney, TX

    Job Title: Process Engineering Manager Location: Forney, TX Direct Hire | Full-Time - Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without assistance. Pay: $100,000 - $139,000 annually Work Schedule: Monday-Friday | 100% Onsite...

    Recommended

  • Chemical Project Engineer

    Ennis, TX

    Role: Chemical Project Engineer Salary: $100,000-$120,000 / year+ 10% bonus Location: Ennis, TX Benefits: This role is eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401k. Key Responsibilities Lead multiple capital projects from initial scope development thr...

    Recommended