Director of Application Engineering

*****The successful candidate must reside within commuting distance of Windsor CT 06095 OR be willing to relocate*****

Our client, Tsugami America has been the exclusive source for Precision Tsugami CNC machine tools in North America since 1978. Tsugami CNC lathes and CNC Milling Machines are known around the world for their machining and positioning accuracy, exacting construction techniques, flexible designs, high speed, and reliability.

Headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, Tsugami America provides machine tools and engineering expertise through an extensive network of authorized distributors and technical centers. Technical support and customer service are available throughout North America. Our distributors’ trained service personnel provide technical support throughout the long-life cycle of our Tsugami machine tools, and work hand-in-hand with Tsugami America engineers to deliver common-sense solutions to everyday problems.

Precision Tsugami is ranked #1 among global machine tool builders specializing in technology for machining small parts. CNC Swiss Type Lathes and Turning Centers, including Opposed Gang Tool Lathes, Gang/Turret Lathes, Multitasking Machines, Vertical and Horizontal CNC Milling Machines are our core products. These high-precision machine tools are used to make small parts up to 38 mm in diameter for medical, aerospace, defense, and automotive industries.

Most Tsugami CNC lathes utilize sliding headstock technology (also referred to as “Swiss type” turning) to machine high precision parts quickly and accurately. This technology delivers unmatched precision, speed, and accuracy due to the ability to complete multiple metal cutting operations in a single set-up.

Parent Company | Morris Group, Inc., one of the largest machine tool distribution networks in North America, is a third generation, family owned and operated organization that serves manufactures of precision machined parts in the United States. Our mission is to help manufactures maintain a competitive advantage in the world economy by improving productivity.

SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the VP Operations, the Director of Application Engineering is responsible for leading all aspects of the Tsugami America engineering group. This position requires the ability to implement critical initiatives while guiding the team to achieve company objectives.

Direct Reports: 4-Direct, 22-Indurect; 2-CT Based Assistant Engineering Managers (7-direct reports for each manager), 1-MN Based Assistant Engineering Manager (4-direct reports), 1-CA Based Engineering Manager (4 direct reports

WHAT YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE:

• Responsible for the recruiting, management, performance, and development of direct-reporting staff.
• Ensure customer commitments are implemented as planned to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
• Manage staff’s time and schedule to ensure resources are effectively applied to ensure team productivity and appropriate coverage.
• Ensure top notch customer experience is consistently delivered.
• Work with Human Resources for strategic hiring.
• Evaluate and consistently look to improve process related activity.Ensure quality measures are clear and being adhere to that follow our ISO 9001 guidelines. Ensure documentation and training is front and center.
• Ownership of customer related problems and coordination with sales and service departments when necessary for resolution of problems to ensure customer service satisfaction.
• Mentor and set clear and measurable goals and objectives for both the department and middle management to strive to achieve.
• Oversee and review part processing and cycle time estimates on customer opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate custom demonstrations at company, customer, or vendor facilities.
• Develop metrics that measure key data and behaviors that serve to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage turnkey projects, demonstrations, and other customer related projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Integrate department activity with the make ready, contract administration, project management and service departments for smooth project execution.
• Communication is critical with all necessary departments including builder (Tsugami), distribution, end user customers and internal departments.
• Act as an advisor to applications engineering team regarding projects, tasks, and operations.
• Able to identify all technical issues of quotation requests and be directly responsible for descriptions of products quoted.
• Interact with customers and salespeople on pre-sale activities including customer visits, evaluation of opportunities, machine assessment and recommendations, part processing recommendations and development of turnkey proposals.
• Provide accurate feedback to upper management regarding activity, goals, performance, and any department training opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or related field is preferred.
• 5+ years proven experience in Engineering Management.
• Possess interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate strong relationships within the team and beyond.
• Possess strong project management skills and track record for developing staff.
• Requires a broad knowledge of the machine tool industry as well as its applications and technical requirement.
• Sophisticated knowledge of CNC machine technology and applications with previous experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of CNC based controls, especially Fanuc.
• Solid understanding of CAD/CAM software.
• Requires mechanical skills to operate CNC machine tools and ancillary support equipment to demonstrate the capabilities of assigned products for customer, dealer, or staff
• Extensive knowledge of industry specific machine tools and applications.
• Possess strong presentation skills and ability to communicate professionally.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other related business programs as required. Knowledge of MS Project is important.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout territory on a regular basis (~20%).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to think quickly, assess a situation and make a sound decision.
• Solid written and verbal communication, listening, organization and priority setting skills required.
• Exhibit excellent teamwork skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Competitive starting salary
• 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 your first year.
• 10 Company Paid Holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee appreciation events and perks
• Employee Assistance Program

COMPETENCIES:

• Dynamic leadership abilities and strong communication skills
• Effective listening, communication and negotiating skills
• Effective time management and adapts quickly to changing priorities
• Strong analytical proficiency
• Sense of urgency with an ability to think and advise strategically
• Hands-on handling and delivering on tactical responsibilities
• Nimble with the ability to drive projects/initiatives forward
• Strong work ethic and commitment to the organization culture
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to implement change while maintaining/increasing team morale

FOR CONSIDERATION:

If you are an accomplished, high-performing Director of Application Engineering who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and complex environment, we are interested in speaking with you.