Applications Engineering Manager- Wire EDM

Job Summary: The Applications Engineering Manager Wire EDM is a hands-on technical leader responsible for managing all Wire EDM applications engineering activities with a primary focus on the FANUC Robocut product line. This role serves as the organizations subject matter expert on wire electrical discharge machining processes providing pre-sales and post-sales technical support driving turnkey solution development and leading a team of applications engineers. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in FANUC Robocut machines EDM process optimization and customer-facing technical consultation.

Can also live near Wixom MI or Gilberts IL

Job Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the companys foremost Wire EDM technical authority with specific expertise in the FANUC Robocut a-C400 a-C600 and a-C800 platforms

• Develop and optimize cutting parameters wire threading strategies and machining processes across a range of materials (hardened tool steel carbide titanium Inconel etc.)

• Provide expert-level guidance on FANUC CNC controls iHMI user interface AWF3 automatic wire feeding iPulse3 discharge control Core Stitch slug retention and AI-driven thermal compensation features

• Lead development of turnkey Wire EDM solutions including fixturing programming automation integration and multi-axis (up to 7-axis) turn-and-burn applications

• Conduct test cuts time studies and machining demonstrations to validate process capabilities and support customer decision-making

Customer Engagement

• Partner with the sales organization to provide technical proposals application feasibility assessments and competitive positioning against Mitsubishi Sodick Makino and other Wire EDM OEMs

• Conduct on-site and in-house customer training on Robocut machine operation programming (G & M code) maintenance and process optimization

• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex customer applications troubleshooting and process challenges

• Represent the company at trade shows industry events and technical seminars

Process & Strategy

• Develop and maintain a library of proven cut conditions application notes and technical documentation for internal and customer use

• Collaborate with FANUC engineering teams (domestic and Japan) on product feedback beta testing and new feature validation

• Track industry trends in Wire EDM technology materials and applications to identify new market opportunities across medical aerospace defense energy mold & die and additive manufacturing sectors

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support ISO 9001 quality management objectives

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Deep demonstrated knowledge of FANUC Robocut platforms including CNC programming power supply technology (SF3 / iPulse3) automatic wire feeding systems and machine setup/optimization

• Expert understanding of wire EDM principles discharge parameters dielectric fluid management wire tension control surface finish optimization (to Ra 0.1 µm) taper cutting and step/corner cutting techniques

• Proficiency in G & M code programming for Wire EDM CAD/CAM software for EDM toolpath generation

• Thorough understanding of EDM behavior across conductive materials including hardened steels carbides titanium alloys copper alloys and superalloys

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for customers sales teams and executive leadership

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or related technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and 10 years of progressive Wire EDM experience

• Minimum 8 years of hands-on Wire EDM applications experience including at least 3 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity

• Strong leadership and team management abilities

• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels

• Design experience and development of programmed applications highly preferred.

• Prior experience with Fanuc controls is highly preferred.

• Prior experience with CAM-I is highly preferred; experience with Mastercam or Esprit a plus

• Prior experience in a machine tool distributor or OEM applications engineering environment

• Familiarity with FANUC CNC ecosystem (controls servos robotics) beyond Wire EDM

• Experience with automation integration for unattended Wire EDM operations (pallet systems robotic loading)

• Knowledge of complementary machining processes (sinker EDM CNC milling grinding) and how Wire EDM fits within a broader manufacturing workflow

• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruit develop and manage a team of Wire EDM applications engineers setting performance goals and conducting regular evaluations

• Establish training programs to ensure the team maintains current knowledge of FANUC Robocut technology new product releases and evolving EDM best practices

• Allocate engineering resources across pre-sales support post-sales installation customer training and ongoing technical support activities

• Supervise geographically dispersed direct reports ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to organizational policies.

Travel Requirements:

• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically with occasional international travel

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand walk and work on the shop floor for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Salary:

$139108.48 - $180840.92

#ZR

Required Experience:

Manager