📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CNC Programmer/Applications Engineer
Company: Morris Midwest
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Manufacturing & Production
Date Posted: March 14, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Serve as an Applications Engineer, bringing expertise in the newest technology in machines, cutting tools, programming software, and innovative ideas to customers.
Collaborate with customers to assess opportunities, make accurate cost estimates, and develop turnkey proposals.
Program and set up CNC lathes, mills, and Swiss-style lathes while training customers in safe operation and maintenance.
Maintain an in-depth technical knowledge of product lines represented by the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong hands-on machining background and experience with CNC machines, making it an excellent fit for experienced machinists looking to advance their careers in the manufacturing industry.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Pre-sale Activities: Conduct customer visits, evaluate opportunities, assess machines, and recommend part processing and turnkey proposals.
Engineering Reports: Make accurate cost estimates, write engineering reports, and interpret plans and specifications.
CNC Programming: Program and set up CNC lathes, mills, and Swiss-style lathes, as well as other machine tools.
Training: Develop and implement custom demonstrations and train customers in the safe setup and operation of CNC machining centers, lathes, grinders, Swiss-style lathes, and multi-tasking machines.
Technical Knowledge: Maintain an in-depth technical knowledge of product lines represented by the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a solid understanding of CAD/CAM software and experience with specific machine tools and controls, such as Fanuc and Okuma.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree in a related field preferred.

Experience: At least 2 years of experience with CNC machines required. Experience with Fanuc and Okuma controls, as well as CAD/CAM software, is a plus.

Required Skills:

Strong hands-on machining background
Proven solid understanding of CAD/CAM software
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
Ability to travel frequently throughout the regional territory

Preferred Skills:

Experience with MasterCam, Esprit, and Solidworks
Knowledge of specific machine tools and controls (e.g., Fanuc, Okuma)

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate hands-on machining experience with CNC machines.
Showcase experience with CAD/CAM software and programming skills.
Highlight any experience with specific machine tools and controls.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of engineering reports, cost estimates, and machine assessments.
Showcase any training materials or demonstrations developed for customers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 per year (based on experience and regional market standards)

Benefits:

Competitive starting salary
Monthly car allowance and fuel
Huge opportunities for growth in professional skillset
Able to work with new technology daily
Market competitive comprehensive health benefits, including a zero premium medical plan offering, vision, dental, and company-paid life insurance
Paid time off, starting with 23 paid days off in the first year
10 company-paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
Tuition reimbursement
Employee appreciation events and perks
Employee assistance program

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with frequent travel throughout the regional territory.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: Morris Group, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business that serves manufacturers of precision-machined parts in the United States. Their mission is to help manufacturers maintain a competitive advantage in the world economy by improving productivity.

Team Structure:

Applications Engineers work closely with customers to assess opportunities, make recommendations, and provide training and support.
The team collaborates with other departments, such as sales and service, to ensure customer satisfaction and success.

Development Methodology: Morris Midwest follows a customer-centric approach, focusing on understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions and support.

Company Website: Morris Midwest

📝 Enhancement Note: Morris Midwest is a well-established company with a strong focus on customer service and support. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in the manufacturing industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

CNC Programmer/Applications Engineer Career Level: This role is an excellent entry or mid-level position for experienced machinists looking to advance their careers in the manufacturing industry. It offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with customers to solve complex problems.

Reporting Structure: Applications Engineers report directly to the Sales Manager or Regional Manager, depending on the specific location and team structure.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and success, as well as the overall productivity and efficiency of manufacturing processes.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Gain experience with new technology and machine tools, as well as honing programming and customer service skills.
Technical Leadership: Demonstrate strong performance and leadership potential to advance to more senior roles within the company.
Career Progression: Pursue opportunities in sales, service, or management, depending on interests and company needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in the manufacturing industry. With a strong focus on customer service and support, as well as a commitment to investing in employee training and development, Morris Midwest provides an ideal environment for machinists looking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Morris Midwest operates out of multiple locations across the United States, with a focus on providing local support and service to customers.

Office Location(s): St. Cloud, Minnesota

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Applications Engineers work closely with customers, as well as other departments, to ensure customer satisfaction and success.
Development Tools: Access to CAD/CAM software, machine tools, and other relevant equipment and resources.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with sales, service, and other teams to provide comprehensive support and solutions to customers.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with frequent travel throughout the regional territory. Occasional overtime may be required to meet customer needs and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Morris Midwest offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, with a focus on customer service and success. This role requires frequent travel, but provides the opportunity to work with a diverse range of customers and machine tools.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to discuss the role, qualifications, and expectations.
On-site Interview: A visit to the Morris Midwest office to meet with the hiring manager and other team members, as well as a tour of the facility.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on demonstration of programming and operating skills on CNC machine tools.
Final Interview: A discussion of the candidate's fit with the company culture and team dynamics, as well as any final questions or concerns.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight hands-on machining experience and programming skills.
Showcase any experience with specific machine tools and controls, as well as CAD/CAM software.
Provide examples of engineering reports, cost estimates, and machine assessments.
Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on programming and operating skills for CNC machine tools.
Review any specific machine tools or controls required for the role.
Prepare for a hands-on demonstration of programming and operating skills.

ATS Keywords: CNC Programming, Machining, Manufacturing, Customer Service, CAD/CAM Software, Machine Tools, Engineering Reports, Cost Estimation, Technical Support, Training, Applications Engineering, Morris Midwest

📝 Enhancement Note: Morris Midwest places a strong emphasis on hands-on skills and customer service. The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical proficiency and cultural fit with the company and team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this CNC Programmer/Applications Engineer position at Morris Midwest:

Submit your application through the Morris Midwest career portal.
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant machining, programming, and customer service experience.
Prepare a portfolio showcasing hands-on machining experience, programming skills, and any experience with specific machine tools and controls.
Research Morris Midwest and the manufacturing industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and role.
Practice for the technical assessment and hands-on demonstration of programming and operating skills on CNC machine tools.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and manufacturing industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Morris Midwest before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Manufacturing-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to CNC programming, machining, and manufacturing roles.
Include machine tool-specific details, such as specific brands, models, and controls (e.g., Fanuc, Okuma).
Emphasize hands-on machining experience, programming skills, and customer service.
Address the unique demands and requirements of the manufacturing industry, such as frequent travel and on-site customer visits.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about the manufacturing industry, machine tools, or company-specific details.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute manufacturing and machine tool-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and manufacturing industry standards.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific machine tools, brands, models, and controls relevant to the role.
Address manufacturing industry trends, such as the increasing demand for automation and advanced technologies.
Provide tactical advice for hands-on machining demonstrations, customer service, and technical interviews.
Include manufacturing-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize the importance of hands-on experience, technical proficiency, and customer service skills in the manufacturing industry.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use manufacturing and machine tool industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to manufacturing professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give CNC programmers and machinists a competitive advantage.
Focus on manufacturing-specific team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and customer impact measurement.

Machining & Programming Emphasis:

Emphasize hands-on machining experience, programming skills, and customer service.
Include specific machine tool-specific details, such as brands, models, and controls.
Address the unique demands and requirements of the manufacturing industry, such as frequent travel and on-site customer visits.
Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable manufacturing processes.
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for manufacturing projects.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to CNC programming, machining, or manufacturing roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific manufacturing role.
Marketing language unrelated to CNC programming, machining, or manufacturing processes.

Generate comprehensive, manufacturing-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for CNC programmers, machinists, and manufacturing professionals evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the manufacturing industry.

CNC Programmer/Applications Engineer - St. Cloud, MN