POSITION OVERVIEW
The basic function of the Applications Engineer is to support the business development team by providing technical concepts, cost estimates, and detailed written quotations in response to customer inquiries and requests for quote.
As this position plays a significant role in the achievement of corporate sales goals and objectives, additional duties include visiting customers, performing the initial development of projects, tracking quotation cost performance, and maintaining positive customer relationships.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES
The principal duties will include, but not be limited to:
· Generate feasible engineering concepts, accurate cost estimates, and clearly written proposal documents for all assigned projects
· Work with customers and internal sales team to ensure that equipment specifications and requirements are well understood to ensure quotes address customer needs and priorities
· Collaborate with the engineering team(s), Project Managers, and the Applications Engineering Manager to research and develop concepts and proposals relative to specific customer requests
· Support internal project kick-off meetings by ensuring all required project information is collected and communicated to the project team providing a thorough understanding of the project scope
· Support customer kick-off meetings by communicating an accurate, detailed, and organized review of the quoted equipment and project scope
· Respond to all assigned proposal inquiries in a timely manner
· Develop and maintain a record of proposal inquiries to ensure timely and appropriate response to customers
· Actively participate in proposal review meetings with the assigned Project Manager and Engineers to ensure clear communication of the customer’s requirements and the commitments made by the company
· Work with the entire business development team to coordinate the company’s participation at trade shows and in advertising media, ensuring that the company presents a strong and consistent message
· Actively participate in the creative exchange of ideas to enhance the company’s research and development efforts—developing an ongoing awareness of new technologies and trends in the marketplace that may be useful in solving customer problems
· Ensure that regular and open communication takes place with other functional departments regarding the coordination and planning for both active and future customers
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Education: College accreditation with emphasis in engineering, manufacturing, or equivalent experience, preferably from within a manufacturing firm—bachelor’s degree with concentration in engineering preferred
Experience: At least five years of professional experience in applications or mechanical engineering with three years of experience in estimating, project management, or sales administration in a technical industry
Additional skills:
Ability to create technically feasible, economical equipment concepts from customer specifications consisting of varying levels of detail
Ability to identify and account for potential risks (technical, budget, schedule, , etc.) that may be encountered during the execution of quoted projects
Ability to obtain and process information from internal and external resources in order to accurately estimate the labor and material costs required to execute projects being quoted
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of our customers’ products and manufacturing processes
An understanding of the capabilities and benefits of the equipment being quoted—and the ability to effectively communicate those benefits to customers
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment while managing individual duties productively
Excellent organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
A strong customer service mindset, considering customer needs and concerns in decision-making
The flexibility to manage multiple quoting projects of various durations and complexity in an environment where priorities are constantly changing
A disciplined, goal-oriented personality with the creativity to provide and work with new ideas and approaches to design and processes
Competency in computer and office equipment with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and 2D/3D design software
A commitment to integrity, ethical and economical practices, and the organization’s values and mission
· Flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project requirements with the potential for overtime/weekend hours and occasional travel
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance