What are the responsibilities and job description for the Applications Engineer position at Fives?
Fives Group is seeking a Applications Engineer
About Fives Group :
Fives Group, headquartered in Paris, France, is an industrial engineering group founded in 1812 that designs and supplies machines, process equipment and production lines for the world's largest industrial groups including the aluminum, steel, tube and pipe, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement and energy sectors. In 2024, Fives achieved sales of $2.5 billion with a team of close to 9,000 employees and a network of over 100 operational units in over 25 countries.
Job Overview :
We are seeking a highly technical and detail-oriented Lapping Applications Engineer to join our sales / engineering team. This position is focused on the technical aspects of the lapping process, including process design, equipment optimization, and material performance. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of lapping technologies, advanced knowledge of abrasive systems, and a strong ability to troubleshoot and optimize precision finishing processes for a wide range of applications as well as deep knowledge of the market and key players.
Key Responsibilities :
Customer Development : Support customers by developing and implementing lapping processes for new materials or applications. Provide in-depth training on the proper setup, operation, and troubleshooting of lapping equipment to ensure consistent, high-quality results.
Lapping Process Design and Optimization : Design and develop precise lapping processes tailored to customer requirements, ensuring the highest quality finishes and meeting strict dimensional tolerances. Optimize the process for efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement across various materials and applications.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting : Provide in-depth technical support to customers and internal teams regarding lapping equipment, machine settings, abrasive selection, and process parameters. Identify and resolve issues related to surface finishes, material removal rates, and consistency.
Abrasive Selection and Slurry Formulation : Expertly select and recommend the right abrasives, slurries, and conditioning materials based on the customer's needs and material types. Formulate and test custom slurries for specific applications to enhance process performance.
Equipment Setup and Calibration : Set up and calibrate lapping machines, including manual and automated systems, to ensure optimal operation. Provide recommendations for machine configurations, tooling, and process parameters to achieve desired results.
Data Analysis and Process Monitoring : Utilize advanced data analysis tools to monitor and evaluate lapping process parameters, such as pressure, speed, and temperature. Implement adjustments based on data insights to enhance process stability and precision.
Collaboration with R&D and Engineering Teams : Collaborate with research and development teams to test new abrasives, materials, and process innovations. Provide feedback to improve existing product designs and processes based on field experience and customer feedback.
Technical Documentation : Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation for process setups, troubleshooting guides, process optimizations, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Required Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Experience : Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with lapping, polishing, or precision finishing processes, with a strong technical background in surface preparation, material removal, and abrasive systems.
Technical Knowledge : Deep understanding of lapping principles, including abrasive wear, slurry behavior, and material removal mechanisms. Expertise in lapping machine operation (both manual and automated systems) and process control.
Process Optimization Expertise : Proven ability to analyze and optimize lapping processes for material types, sizes, and production volumes, focusing on consistency, surface quality, and throughput.
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve complex process issues, including surface defects, dimensional inaccuracies, and operational inefficiencies.
Expertise in the setup, calibration, and maintenance of lapping machines and associated equipment. Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, and software-based systems used in automated lapping processes.
Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical information clearly to customers and internal teams.
Preferred Qualifications :
Advanced Certifications : Certification in advanced lapping, surface finishing, or precision machining is a plus.
Experience with Material Science : Familiarity with material properties, including metals, ceramics, and composites, and their behavior during the lapping process.
Software Proficiency : Experience with process monitoring or CAD / CAM software for process simulation, tooling design, or data analysis.
Project Management Skills : Ability to manage multiple customer projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
Work Environment :
This role will involve both office-based work and occasional on-site support at customer facilities.
Hands-on work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to precision machinery, abrasives, and slurries.
Occasional travel may be required to assist with customer process development or troubleshooting.
Benefits :
Hired employees will receive great benefits along with an extremely competitive compensation package. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Holidays, Personal Time Off and 401K & IRA and more.
