APPLICATIONS ENGINEER

# Applications Engineer – Laser and Press Brake

Owen Industries | PVS Metals Division

Location: Carter Lake, IA, minutes away from downtown Omaha (with periodic travel to Sioux City, IA and Fargo, ND)

Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried | Exempt

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

About Us

Owen Industries is a family of steel manufacturing companies with deep roots in the Midwest. Our PVS Metals division operates multiple fabrication facilities across Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota, specializing in precision laser cutting, press brake forming, and structural steel fabrication. We build things that matter — and we're looking for people who take pride in doing it right.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a senior-level Applications Engineer to serve as our go-to technical expert for CNC laser cutting and press brake operations across three facilities. This is a hands-on, shop floor role with real impact — you'll own the optimization of our laser and press brake processes, build standardized systems that outlast any single person, and develop the operators and programmers who run our equipment every day.

You'll report directly to the COO and work cross-functionally with plant managers, fabrication managers, quality, and sales teams. If you're the kind of person who gets energized by solving tough process problems, building things from the ground up, and leaving a facility better than you found it — this role was built for you.

What You'll Do

- Develop and maintain optimized cutting parameter libraries for all laser platforms (TRUMPF, Eagle, Penta, Messer) by material type, thickness, and grade; diagnose and resolve cut quality issues to ensure consistent results at maximum machine speeds.

- Lead the development of offline press brake programming; build standardized programs with specific tooling callouts, bend sequences, and setup instructions to reduce changeover time and eliminate operator-dependent variation.

- Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laser cutting, press brake forming, and machine setup across all three facilities.

- Develop and deliver training programs for laser operators, press brake operators, and programmers; conduct skills assessments and build a pipeline of technically proficient internal talent.

- Serve as the internal subject matter expert on automation and software platforms (TRUMPF LiftMaster, Boost, Sigmanest); evaluate future automation investments and drive adoption of underutilized capabilities.

- Track and report on key performance metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap rate, setup time); collaborate with plant leadership to drive continuous improvement and align production capabilities with customer requirements.

What You Bring

- Minimum 5–7 years of hands-on experience in CNC laser cutting and/or press brake operations in a metal fabrication or steel service center environment.

- Expert-level knowledge of 2D CNC fiber laser cutting operations including parameter optimization, gas selection, focus settings, and cut quality troubleshooting; strong working knowledge of press brake setup, tooling selection, and bend sequencing.

- Proficiency in TRUMPF Boost and Sigmanest; familiarity with additional platforms (Eagle, Penta, Messer, Cincinnati, Accurpress) a plus.

- Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings including GD&T; solid knowledge of steel grades and material properties and their impact on cutting and forming.

- Excellent communication and training skills — you can explain complex technical concepts clearly to operators at any experience level.

- Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities across three sites; comfortable driving change without direct authority over the people you'll need to influence.

- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Travel

Approximately 10–15% travel to our Sioux City, IA and Fargo, ND facilities. Travel will be more frequent during the initial onboarding and standardization phase (first 6–12 months).

Why Owen Industries?

- Stable, family-owned company with over 130 years in the steel industry

- Senior-level role with direct access to company leadership

- Real opportunity to build lasting systems and develop people across multiple facilities

- Competitive salary and benefits package

Owen Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.