Job Title: Applications Engineer

Department: Engineering / Manufacturing Reports To: Engineering Manager / Director of Engineering Location: MSC – Greenville, SC / Horsham, PA / Huntsville, AL (location dependent) FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Applications Engineer at MSC plays a critical role in bridging engineering design, advanced manufacturing, and customer requirements. This position is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting complex manufacturing processes-particularly 5-axis CNC machining-for aerospace and defense components. The Applications Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Customers to ensure manufacturability, efficiency, and compliance with all applicable industry standards.

This role requires strong technical expertise in multi-axis programming, tooling strategy, process validation, and continuous improvement within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Programming

• Develop, optimize, and maintain 5-axis CNC programs for complex aerospace and defense components.
• Select machining strategies, tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters to maximize efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Support new part introduction (NPI) by validating manufacturability and reducing risk prior to production.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tool paths, workholding, surface finish, tolerances, and cycle time.
• Provide shop floor support during first article, prove-outs, and production ramp-up.

Applications & Process Engineering

• Act as a technical liaison between Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Customers.
• Review customer drawings, models, and specifications to determine optimal manufacturing approach.
• Develop and maintain standardized machining processes and best practices.
• Support cost estimating and quoting by providing cycle time and process input.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, throughput, and OEE.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all processes comply with AS9100, customer specifications, and internal quality systems.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) and root cause analysis for nonconformances.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure robust process controls and documentation.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation including setup sheets, work instructions, and control plans.

Customer & Cross-Functional Support

• Support customer technical reviews, audits, and program launches.
• Provide technical input during customer design-for-manufacturability (DFM) discussions.
• Assist Sales, Program Management, and Engineering with technical presentations and capability demonstrations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in CNC machining within aerospace and/or defense manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in 5-axis CNC programming and advanced machining strategies.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO, customer flow-downs).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot machining and process issues independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex materials (titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys, composites).
• Familiarity with CAM software such as NX, Mastercam, CATIA, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting NPI, prototype-to-production transitions, and low-volume/high-mix manufacturing.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working directly with aerospace and defense customers.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• 5-axis simultaneous machining
• Tooling and fixturing design
• Machining strategy development
• CAM programming and post-processing
• Root cause analysis and problem solving
• Process documentation and standardization
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer-facing technical communication

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machining equipment.
• Ability to spend time on the shop floor supporting production as needed.
• Occasional travel to customer sites or other MSC locations may be required.

Why MSC

MSC offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace and defense programs in a collaborative, high-performance environment. Our team values technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement while providing opportunities for growth and advancement.