Applications Engineer Friction Stir Welding FSW

Job Description

Element Six is seeking a high-caliber Applications Engineer with a strong business development mindset to lead the expansion of our Friction Stir Welding (FSW) portfolio across North America. This role is at the intersection of advanced materials science and strategic sales, focusing on driving the adoption of PCBN (Polycrystalline Cubic Boron Nitride) tools for steel welding and converting existing aluminum FSW installs to synthetic diamond tooling.

As the primary technical and commercial driver for FSW in the region, you will be responsible for managing complex technical trials, building relationships with world‑class machine suppliers, and representing Element Six within key industry networks.

• Lead the planning and execution of specifically targeting high-value opportunities in FSW of Steel.
• Provide on-site technical support for trials at machine supplier sites and end users to establish Element Six as a preferred "full solution" partner.
• Analyze trial data to prove the ROI of diamond and PCBN tooling over traditional alternatives.

• Develop leads and opportunities into active projects and commercial adoptions.
• Identify and secure at least one major commercial adoption of diamond tooling for aluminum FSW within the first 12 months.
• Partner with the sales team to develop commercial proposals that highlight the longevity and efficiency of E6 super‑material tools.

• Build and maintain relationships with technical institutions, machine OEMs, and government bodies to ensure E6 is specified in emerging FSW standards.
• Represent Element Six at Fabtech ‘26 and other key industry conferences to identify new market opportunities.

• Educational Background:
  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a related technical field.
• Technical Expertise:
  Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in welding technologies, polishing solutions, CNC machining, or superhard materials. Specific experience in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is highly preferred.
• Commercial Acumen:
  Proven track record in a "Technical Sales" or "Applications Engineering" role where you were responsible for moving a lead through a technical trial to a commercial close.
• Relationship Management:
  Ability to communicate effectively with both shop‑floor operators and executive-level stakeholders.
• Travel:
  Ability to travel up to 50% across North America to support customer trials and industry events.