Application Engineer

Overview

The Application Engineer supports existing and new programs by acting as the primary technical interface between customers and the engineering team, communicating CGI's process capabilities and specializing in the integration of custom gears, gearboxes, and precision machined components. This role translates customer requirements into actionable technical specifications and provides support for the sales process through technical consultation and quoting. The Application Engineer travels to customer sites to engage in new projects, evaluate applications and support sales presentations.

Works with CGI management including President, CTO, Sales Director and others to develop quotes, prioritize customer engagement and projects.

• Customer Engagement and Consultation:
  Visits customer facilities—either independently or in support of the Sales team—to engage in new projects, gather technical requirements, and present company technical capabilities.
• Quoting and Estimation:
  Analyzes customer RFQs to determine technical feasibility; develops detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, and tooling based on an intimate knowledge of internal manufacturing processes.
• Technical Requirements Translation:
  Serves as the "voice of the customer" to internal Design and Process Engineering, ensuring that all gear information, tolerances, and material specifications are clearly defined and manufacturable.
• Feasibility Review:
  Reviews customer designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility, advising on adjustments as needed.
• Strategic Support:
  Determines priorities with upper management to identify high-value opportunities and implement technical improvements for custom motion control solutions.
• Sales and Marketing Support:
  Supports the sales and marketing team with product and process expertise. Attends and represents CGI at various trade shows.
• Market Intelligence:
  Stays informed concerning new trends in gear technology, precision machining, and integrated solutions to provide expert-level advice during the quoting phase.
• Quality Liaison:
  Reviews and addresses customer-reported technical issues, performing initial field diagnostics and coordinating with the quality team on corrective and preventative actions.
• Product Validation Support:
  Assists in defining performance validation criteria to ensure the quoted solution meets application demands.
• Product Life Cycle Support:
  Monitors and supports customers through the life cycle of any project, from prototyping through production.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Technical Expertise:
  Knowledgeable concerning mechanical principles, gear theory, spline design and electromechanical principles.
• Manufacturing Knowledge:
  Knowledgeable concerning modern fabrication, precision machining practices (Swiss turning, lathe turning, milling, hobbing, shaping, hone, grinding), and complex assembly techniques for mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Quality Standards:
  Familiarity with ISO 9000, ISO 13485, and AS9100 quality management systems and related aerospace/medical requirements.
• Software Proficiency:
  Strong drafting skills using AutoCAD and Solidworks; proficiency in Gear Design software (e.g., KISSsoft, AGMA standards) is highly desirable.
• Commercial Acumen:
  Strong ability to estimate manufacturing costs and articulate technical value propositions to customers during the quoting phase.
• Communication and Travel:
  Able to travel (est. 20-40%) and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with external customers regarding technical trade-offs, design for manufacturability and performance specifications.
• Project Management:
  Has initiative and able to work effectively with little direction while managing multiple custom client quotes and projects simultaneously.
• Systems Knowledge:
  Working knowledge of computer systems, data processing, and familiarity with complex ERP systems and MRP principles.
• Equipment Familiarity:
  Familiar with CNC machine tools, multi-axis machining centers, and gear inspection (CMM/GMM) equipment and other relevant equipment.

B.S.M.E. degree or a B.S. degree with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related fields.

Experience:

Not less than three (3) years experience as an Application, Design or Manufacturing Engineer, specifically within the gear, motion control, automation or precision machining industry.

Desirable

Skills:

Familiarity with Six Sigma/Lean practices.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.