> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3948312-applications-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3948312-applications-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Applications Engineer - **Company:** Kelaca, LLC - **Location:** Danville, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** BASIC (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Programming Tools, Microsoft Office, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Data Streaming, Technical Data Management Systems, Siemens NX, Data Processing, Mastercam - **Published:** October 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/4750f34d-65ee-467d-887d-ca32dddbcb52/applications-engineer ## About the Role * CNC programming - Extensive CNC programming experience required, including complex multi-axis and 5-axis work. Demonstrated ability to create programs that can run reliably and safely for recurring developmental or production work, not just one-off parts. * CAD/CAM - Extensive CAD/CAM experience and knowledge required. Hands-on programming experience in a high-end CAM environment such as Siemens NX (or similar) strongly preferred as the primary toolchain for regulated work. * Precision machining and process design - Deep working knowledge of precision machining principles, tight tolerances, material behavior and process stability in high-accuracy environments. Proven ability to design machining sequences that balance quality, cycle time, risk and cost. * Multi-axis machining - Significant experience with multi-axis and 5-axis machining, dual spindle lathes and mill/turn equipment, including programming, setup, prove-out and optimization. * Cutting tools - Strong knowledge of cutting tools, materials and applications, including tool selection, tool life management and process optimization. * Work-holding and fixturing - Extensive experience with work-holding techniques and fixture design, with a track record of safe, rigid, efficient and repeatable setups. * Inspection and metrology - Knowledge of pre-, in- and post-process inspection methods and how they integrate with machining strategies; familiarity with using macro variable programming and similar techniques within CNC programs to support process control. * Regulated manufacturing compliance - Experience working under, or strong familiarity with, ITAR, ISO and ANSI expectations in manufacturing environments and how they affect documentation, process control and data handling. * General tools and systems - Proficiency with Microsoft Office (or equivalent) and comfort working within digital job management, data collection and reporting tools. Preferred / advantageous experience (nice to have) * Programming experience specifically in Siemens NX for multi-axis/5-axis work in regulated environments. * Experience with Mastercam or other advanced CAM tools. * Experience with metal additive manufacturing processes and how additive choices impact downstream machining and inspection. * Broader knowledge of additive manufacturing technologies and dimensional inspection/metrology tooling (e.g. CMM, advanced gauging, NDT concepts). * Exposure to ancillary machining processes (e.g. EDM, grinding) and how they complement CNC machining. * Experience with SPC, process monitoring and data collection systems, and using data to improve process design. * Familiarity with IoT/Industry 4.0 concepts in manufacturing (connected machines, data flows, dashboards, basic analytics). * Prior customer-facing technical experience such as on-site problem investigation, solution delivery or technical presentations. Education and experience * Education - Associate degree or diploma in Precision Machining Technology (or a closely related discipline); or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on precision machining/CNC experience. * Professional experience - Typically 7-10+ years of experience setting up and running complex CNC operations, ideally with substantial time in multi-axis and 5-axis environments. Experience in an ITAR and ISO (or similar regulated) work environment preferred. Backgrounds that include progression from machinist/lead machinist into applications engineering are welcome, as are careers spent primarily as an applications engineer. Capabilities and behavioral indicators * Solution discovery from scratch - Able to take incomplete, ambiguous or first-of-a-kind customer requests and design a rational path from problem definition to validated manufacturing solution. Comfortable when no standard process exists and when there are sharp learning curves. * Creative, systems-level thinking - Designs fixturing, tooling, process routes and sequencing with an eye to downstream impacts across machining, inspection, additive and data/IoT. * High ownership and accountability - Follows work from concept and programming through shop-floor prove-out and documentation; manages multiple priorities without losing engineering rigor. * Communication and mentoring - Clearly explains complex technical information to machinists, engineers and non-technical stakeholders. Enjoys teaching others and sharing the "why" behind decisions, and invests in documentation and handover so solutions can be sustained. * Calm under changing priorities - Maintains a practical, structured problem-solving approach when many requests feel urgent, and helps stakeholders focus on the right work at the right time. * Learning orientation - Seeks opportunities to deepen both technical and soft skills; open to feedback and coaching on customer interaction, presentation and leadership. * Low-ego collaboration - Works effectively with machinists, engineers, project managers and external partners; open to new information and willing to adjust approaches. ## Description * Program and support setup and operation of advanced CNC equipment, including multi-axis and 5-axis mills, mill/turn machines, dual spindle lathes, tool presetting systems and selected additive platforms. * Lead implementation of tooling, work-holding and CNC technologies for new and existing projects. * Design, validate and optimize robust CNC processes for complex, high-accuracy work with a focus on safety, repeatability, quality and throughput. * Integrate new subtractive, additive, inspection and data/IoT technologies where they improve capability, efficiency or quality. * Collaborate with engineering, machining, metrology/NDT and operations teams to plan and execute subtractive manufacturing and inspection activities. * Ensure work complies with applicable data privacy, quality and regulatory standards (e.g. ITAR, ISO, ANSI). * Produce clear technical documentation, procedures and workflows to support traceability, training and audit. * Track key process data (e.g. parameters, inspection results, lessons learned) and feed insights into continuous improvement. * Balance emergent customer requests with longer-term optimization work. * Participate in onsite and offsite customer and stakeholder meetings, including visits to customer facilities to investigate problems, present solution options and support implementation. * Perform other related duties in support of the Center's technical and commercial objectives. What success looks like * CNC programs and machining strategies for multi-axis and 5-axis work run reliably and safely for recurring developmental and production work. * Tooling, fixturing and setup decisions measurably improve repeatability, accuracy, throughput and risk profile. * New technologies are introduced with sound engineering judgment, documented validation and practical implementation plans. * Ambiguous or novel customer needs are translated into structured, stepwise solution-development plans. * Machinists and project teams receive clear, actionable technical guidance that both moves work forward and builds their capability. * Documentation and records are complete enough to reconstruct decisions and support expectations for quality, compliance and audit. * Workload across the applications team is better balanced because you can independently own and deliver complex tasks. * Customers experience credible, well-explained solutions delivered at a pace consistent with organizational capacity., * Onsite role in an advanced manufacturing environment blending R&D-style developmental work with real production constraints and delivery deadlines. * Work spans subtractive CNC machining (with a heavy emphasis on multi-axis and 5-axis work), additive manufacturing and downstream machining/inspection, metrology/NDT and data-driven process monitoring, and IoT/Industry 4.0 initiatives tied to manufacturing optimization. * Mix of defense and commercial customers, including a significant Navy-related program that can generate urgent work and a growing portfolio of commercial optimization projects. * Close collaboration with applications engineers, machinists and lead machinists, metrology/NDT specialists, engineering, project and operations staff, and external technology and tooling partners. * Must have a valid driver's license and be able to travel within Virginia and out of state; current expectations are intermittent trips totaling up to approximately six weeks per year, with potential to increase as the commercial customer base grows. * May sit for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings; must be able to move freely between facilities, including shop-floor and lab environments; must be able to operate a keyboard and standard office/programming tools; may be required to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis (e.g. fixtures, tooling, work-holding components).