NPD Application Engineer

Role & responsibilities

NPD & Process Development

• Develop machining processes for new components and NPD projects.
• Study customer drawings and component requirements.
• Prepare process plans and operation sequences.
• Select suitable machines, fixtures, cutting tools and machining strategies.
• Conduct component and process trials.
• Establish machining parameters and cycle times.
• Validate first-off components and support process approval.
• Optimize processes for productivity, quality and cost reduction.
• Support new product transfer from development to regular production.

Cutting Tool Selection & Application

• Select cutting tools, inserts, holders and tooling systems.
• Recommend suitable grades, geometries and coatings based on material and application.
• Develop cutting parameters including cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, RPM and feed rate.
• Conduct tool trials and evaluate performance.
• Monitor tool life and optimize tool consumption.
• Analyze tool wear, chipping, vibration and surface-finish issues.
• Coordinate with cutting-tool suppliers for technical trials and new tool development.
• Compare tooling performance and cost per component.
• Develop cost-effective tooling solutions.

CNC Application Support

• Support VMC, HMC, CNC Turning and VTL machining applications.
• Assist in CNC program development and optimization.
• Conduct machine trials and prove-outs.
• Troubleshoot machining issues such as chatter/vibration, poor surface finish, dimensional variation, tool breakage, excessive tool wear and burr formation.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce cycle time and rejection.

Preferred candidate profile

• Strong technical and analytical skills with a good understanding of machining applications.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Hands-on experience in cutting-tool selection and application.
• Ability to independently conduct and evaluate cutting-tool trials.
• Good understanding of CNC machining processes and applications.
• Good customer communication and technical presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and process documentation.
• Good coordination with Production, Quality, Sales, and Tooling teams.
• Willingness to travel for customer visits, machine trials, and technical discussions.
• Target-oriented approach towards productivity improvement and cost reduction.