Senior Applications Engineer – Electron Beam / Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Location: Lombard, IL
Travel: approx. 25–30%

About pro-beam

pro-beam is a global leader in electron beam technology, delivering advanced welding and additive manufacturing solutions for the most demanding industrial and research applications for over 50 years. Its systems are trusted in industries where precision and reliability matter most, including aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy.

The U.S. subsidiary in Lombard, IL serves as the operational hub for commissioning, service, training, and customer support across North America. The U.S. team operates within a global matrix organization, working closely with engineering, project management, and development teams headquartered in Germany.

About the Role

pro-beam USA is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer with direct experience in electron beam (EB) systems or comparable complex capital equipment to support complex technical challenges, system-level troubleshooting, and commissioning activities across North America.

This is not a traditional installation-focused field service role, but a system-level engineering position focused on advanced troubleshooting and technical ownership.

This role goes beyond standard installation-focused field service responsibilities and is primarily centered around:

• supporting complex technical challenges at the system level
• contributing to commissioning activities, particularly in non-routine scenarios
• serving as a key technical escalation point for EB-related topics in the U.S.

In addition, this position plays an important role in transferring technical knowledge, mentoring team members, and contributing to the continued development of the U.S. organization.

Candidates with strong experience in adjacent technologies (e.g., vacuum systems, high-voltage equipment, or advanced industrial machinery) are encouraged to apply if interested in transitioning into electron beam systems.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning & Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and support for machine commissioning and start-up activities, both at the Lombard facility and at customer sites across North America, with a focus on complex or non-standard scenarios
• Take ownership of technical outcomes in complex or first-of-kind EB system scenarios, particularly where deeper system-level analysis and problem solving are required
• Perform advanced system-level troubleshooting across EB welding and additive manufacturing equipment, resolving issues that go beyond standard troubleshooting scenarios
• Serve as the primary internal escalation point for complex technical challenges, supporting the broader team in resolving non-routine system issues

Training & Knowledge Transfer

• Design and deliver training programs for pro-beam customers, ranging from machine operators to advanced engineering users
• Mentor and develop Field Service Engineers and Field Service Technicians who are new to EB technology, building their technical competency over time
• Create and maintain technical training materials, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures to build institutional knowledge within the U.S. team
• Contribute to commissioning runbooks and service documentation to ensure knowledge is captured and transferable

Automation, Controls & Systems

• Perform and lead targeted PLC diagnostics and adjustments (Siemens / TIA Portal preferred; other platforms considered)
• Support HMI configuration and visualization adjustments as required during commissioning and system support
• Diagnose and resolve issues across electrical, high-voltage, vacuum, and motion control subsystems

Customer & Cross-Functional Interface

• Act as the senior technical point of contact for key customer accounts during commissioning and ongoing system support
• Coordinate closely with pro-beam's engineering and project management teams in Germany on technical issues, design feedback, and system improvements
• Support proposal and quoting phases with technical input on service scope, complexity, and resource requirements
• Champion a strong safety culture in all field activities, with particular attention to high-voltage, radiation (X-ray), and vacuum safety protocols

Qualifications

Required:

• 5–10 years of hands-on experience with electron beam systems or comparable complex capital equipment (e.g., vacuum systems, high-voltage equipment, or advanced industrial machinery)
• Strong understanding of system architecture, including high-voltage power supplies, vacuum systems, and motion/control integration
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues
• Experience in commissioning, service, or applications engineering roles
• PLC experience (diagnostics and adjustments; programming not required)
• Strong communication skills and ability to train others
• Willingness to travel approximately 25–30%

Preferred:

• Direct experience with electron beam systems
• Experience with additive manufacturing systems
• Experience mentoring or leading technical teams
• Familiarity with Siemens (TIA Portal, drives, etc.)
• Experience working in a multinational or German engineering environment

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 6 months, you will:

• Independently diagnose and resolve complex EB-related customer issues, with limited reliance on support from Germany
• Serve as a trusted technical escalation point within the U.S. organization for advanced system-level challenges
• Contribute to strengthening internal EB expertise within the team through hands-on support and knowledge transfer

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly rate: $50–$55/hour overtime
PTO: 15 days per year
401(k) with company match
Health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, including dental)
Visa sponsorship may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Why Join pro-beam

• Work with technology at the frontier of precision manufacturing: EB systems used in aerospace, defense, and advanced research
• Take on a senior, high-impact role with real ownership of complex technical outcomes and system performance
• Collaborate with world-class EB engineers at pro-beam's German headquarters
• Join a team that values deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and quality from the start
• Contribute directly to building pro-beam USA’s long-term technical capability and market position in North America

Salary : $50 - $55