Machine Shop Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.

Job Summary:

The Applications Engineer – Advanced Milling serves as a technical expert supporting the sales process, customer demonstrations, process development, and implementation of advanced CNC milling solutions. This role specializes in high-performance machining, multi-axis milling, complex workholding, tooling optimization, and process improvement for customers in industries such as aerospace, medical, defense, automotive, energy, and precision manufacturing.

The Applications Engineer partners with Sales, Product Management, Service, and customers to develop machining solutions that maximize productivity, quality, and profitability. This position requires extensive expertise in CNC milling technology, CAM programming, cutting tool applications, and advanced manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer and Sales Support

• Provide technical support to Regional Sales Managers and Account Managers throughout the sales cycle.
• Evaluate customer part prints, models, manufacturing requirements, and production objectives.
• Recommend machine tool solutions, automation systems, tooling packages, and workholding strategies.
• Conduct customer visits to assess manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Deliver technical presentations to customers and prospects regarding machining capabilities and process solutions.
• Assist with machine tool quotations by providing cycle times, process recommendations, and technical specifications.

Demonstrations and Process Development

• Develop and execute customer demonstrations showcasing machine tool capabilities and advanced milling technologies.
• Create complete machining processes, including tooling selection, fixturing concepts, machining strategies, and cycle time analysis.
• Program CNC milling machines using CAM software and machine controls.
• Optimize machining parameters to improve cycle times, surface finish, tool life, and overall productivity.
• Conduct prove-outs and validation testing of customer applications.
• Document demonstration results and provide detailed process recommendations.

Advanced Milling Expertise

• Develop machining strategies for:
  • 3-Axis, 4-Axis, and 5-Axis CNC milling
  • High-speed machining (HSM)
  • High-efficiency milling (HEM)
  • Dynamic toolpath strategies
  • Complex contouring and surfacing
  • Multi-sided machining
  • Lights-out and automated production environments
• Apply advanced knowledge of cutting tool technologies, toolpath optimization, and machining dynamics.
• Support machining of complex materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, hardened steels, aluminum alloys, composites, and medical-grade materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve spindle utilization, tool life, and machine performance.

Installation and Customer Training

• Support machine acceptance testing and customer runoff activities.
• Assist customers during machine implementation and process startup.
• Conduct operator, programmer, and manufacturing engineer training.
• Provide best-practice recommendations for machine operation and maintenance.
• Support post-installation process improvements and productivity enhancements.

Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with Product Management to evaluate new machine tool technologies and applications.
• Work closely with Service Engineers to resolve technical issues affecting machining performance.
• Assist Marketing with technical content, case studies, videos, trade shows, and customer events.
• Share technical knowledge and mentor junior Applications Engineers.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive machining experience will be considered
• 5+ years of experience in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, or process development.
• Extensive experience with advanced CNC milling operations.
• Experience developing machining processes for production environments.
• Machine tool industry experience strongly preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50–70% throughout assigned territory and customer locations.
• Occasional overnight and weekend travel required for demonstrations, installations, trade shows, and customer support activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in manufacturing and machine shop environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during demonstrations and customer visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to safely operate machine tools and related equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Salary:

• $39.23 - $59.30 per hour

The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, and may exceed the posted range for highly qualified candidates.

Additional Information

This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.

Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.