Application Engineer (Starting ASAP, 60-100%, Zürich)

Manukai stands for Manu_facturing and Kai_zen, a Japanese methodology of continuous improvement, that translates to “change for better.” In ancient Greek, _Kai_ros means “the opportune moment.”

We are a Spin-Off from ETH Zürich, aiming to bridge the gap between metal part design and machining. Our technology empowers manufacturers to prioritize their clients’ needs and deliver high-quality products to the market. Our primary focus is making an immediate impact, with client satisfaction our utmost priority.

Tasks

The Role

You are the technical face of Manukai in front of CNC manufacturers across the DACH region. You prepare and deliver product demonstrations, translate customer requirements into actionable feedback for our development team, and ensure every prospect experiences the full potential of our solution. Working closely with the founders and engineers, you bridge the gap between the shop floor and our software— because you’ve worked on that shop floor yourself.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver tailored product demonstrations for CNC programmers and production managers—independently or alongside the founding team
• Qualify prospects technically during first meetings: understand their CAM environment, operations, and pain points
• Own the demo preparation process end-to-end: coordinate with the development team to ensure each demo addresses the prospect’s specific use case
• Act as the technical bridge between customers and our engineering team—translate manufacturing requirements into clear product feedback
• Represent Manukai at trade fairs—lead technical conversations at the booth
• Support proposal preparation by contributing technical accuracy and manufacturing domain context

Requirements

About You

You have a background in manufacturing—whether through vocational training as Polymechaniker/in, Produktionsmechaniker/in, or similar, ideally complemented by further education (e.g., FH in Systemtechnik, Maschinentechnik, or Fertigungstechnik). You know what happens on the shop floor from your own experience and can translate that into compelling customer conversations. You’re curious about software and AI, enjoy presenting technical solutions, and are energized by customer interaction. You are based in, or eligible to work in, Switzerland.

Required Skills

• Background in manufacturing: vocational training (Polymechaniker/in, Produktionsmechaniker/in, or equivalent) and/or a degree in Systemtechnik, Maschinentechnik, Fertigungstechnik, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with at least one CAM system (e.g., Mastercam, Siemens NX, GibbsCAM, TopSolid) in a production environment
• Practical knowledge of milling, turning, and drilling as programming tasks—not just terminology
• Experience in a job shop, OEM production, or precision manufacturing environment, ideally as a lead programmer or AV-Leiter
• Fluent German (native level); working English

Advantageous:

• Experience with technical training, customer support, or application engineering in a machine tool or CAM software environment
• Interest in AI and software—you don’t need to code, but you’re not tech-averse
• Experience presenting to groups or running live product demonstrations
• Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot)
• Fluent French, and Italian

Benefits

• Personal growth potential: You will be a key member and be part of the success story
• Financial participation plan: You will financially participate in the growth of the company
• Personal development: Free time to follow your personal interests and goals
• Time Off and Flexibility: Generous vacation and flexible work hours

Please send your application, including a short motivational letter. Also, consider other opportunities at Manukai.