Die Cutting Applications Engineer

Department: Converting
Reports to: Vice President of Die Cutting Product

The Applications Engineer plays a critical technical role in the Preco team, developing process solutions in the Sales process and following through the execution of programs with the Operations team. This role is responsible for supporting all Preco products manufactured in the Lenexa, KS plant (Flatbed Die-Cutting Presses, Rotary Converting Presses, and custom system builds) as well as support for Contract Manufacturing programs in the Lenexa, KS plant.

• Provide technical support to the Sales team and customers for new opportunities.
• Review customer engineering drawings and specifications, provide analysis and tolerance acceptance, suggest “outside the box” ideas, and organize/maintain documentation history.
• Design and execute test studies to develop process solutions for customers with Preco equipment (Equipment or Contract Manufacturing opportunities).
• As needed, specify required performance criteria (including FAT/SAT requirements) and, if necessary, customizations for Preco equipment sales opportunities. Communicate these effectively to the Engineering team(s) at project kickoff.
• Review and approve FAT/SAT criteria in final customer proposals.
• Assist the Sales and Quoting team and process by providing detailed concept solutions.
• Communicate development ideas (new capabilities and features) to product teams to inform product roadmaps.
• Work closely with Engineering teams during project design phase review designs for functionality, performance, and ease-of-use.
• Ability to operate and adjust machines during debug.
  • Use of HMI touchscreen to modify system parameters.
  • Apply web handling mechanics thru machine settings.
  • Material science investigation and implementation.
  • Utilize tool and roll handling equipment to load/unload machinery.
• Perform factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing.
  • Coordinate activities
  • Documentation of issues/resolutions
  • Excellent customer interface skill set
• Execute equipment inspection procedures and document responses.
• Support the on-boarding of new CMS programs by:
  • Creating process documentation (Bill of Materials, Work Instructions, Routings)
  • Training techs and operators on setup, operational, and quality procedures
• Lead correction process to address Quality issues for CMS programs, with support from off-site Quality Engineering.
• Build relationships with equipment and tooling suppliers, customers, and prospective clients.
• Attend Manufacturing and vision training courses and webinars.
• Attend Industry trade shows, conferences, networking opportunities, and workshops to showcase our technology.
• Provide risk assessment(s) for safety hazards in machine design and build.
• Evaluate competitive landscape to help guide development of die press product roadmap.
• Other tasks as assigned.

• 4-yr technical degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of flatbed die-cutting processes and equipment.
• Strong knowledge of converting materials, processes, and equipment.
• Intermediate proficiency in AutoCAD and Solidworks.
• Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings / mechanical prints / GD&T.
• 3-D printing experience preferred.
• CMM inspection knowledge preferred.
• Strong, customer-facing technical communication skills (verbal and written).
• Exceptional time and work management skills so you can work on multiple projects and thrive in a self-directed work environment.
• Team project driver to ensure progress milestones and on-time delivery.
• Self-starter, innovative, punctual, motivated, enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office, computers, statistical analysis, and electrical basics will be required.
• Willingness to travel for work domestically with potential for international travel.

• Lean Manufacturing methodologies
• Manufacturing controls
• Quality systems

• Four-year degree or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or with two years of industrial experience.

• Repetitive back, wrist, arm, shoulder, elbow, and finger movements occur continuously.
• Extended hours of sitting and viewing a computer screen.
• Extended hours of phone and e-mail communication with suppliers.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• 9 paid holidays per year

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring. Also, each member of the Preco – Lenexa team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem‑solving teams as necessary.