Applications Engineer

Dekker Vacuum Technologies - Michigan City, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Michigan City, IN

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

The Applications Engineer at Dekker Vacuum Technologies Inc. is responsible for providing technical support and pricing assistance to the Sales and Marketing teams. This role involves responding to customer inquiries, assisting in product selection, preparing technical proposals, and ensuring project profitability. The Applications Engineer will work closely with internal departments and suppliers to create quotes for non-standard products and will support the sales team during the offer phase. This position requires strong mechanical and chemical knowledge, as well as excellent communication skills to interact with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Respond to internal and approved external customer inquiries related to product pricing and delivery.
• Assist in the selection of the best product to meet customer needs, including calculations for equipment sizing.
• Provide first line technical support and documentation for Atlas Copco products and their applications.
• Work with internal departments and suppliers to create price quotes for non-standard products.
• Review specifications and prepare quotations, documenting all exceptions or clarifications.
• Analyze customer technical specifications and translate project requirements into costing and customer offers.
• Make initial product selections that meet customer specifications.
• Calculate pump capacity requirements based on process stream conditions.
• Prepare technical proposals, including system design, cost estimation, and lead times.
• Support the sales team with technical assistance during the offer phase.
• Conduct kick-off meetings to hand over projects to Project Engineers after order receipt.
• Coordinate the order entry process as required.
• Interact with vendors regarding supplied parts and components.
• Assure profitability and processability of all assigned projects and orders.
• Provide guidance and support to other applications engineers.
• Develop and implement a personal development plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or other technical degree required; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Three (3) years of Sales/Engineering experience with a pump manufacturer preferred.
• Strong mechanical ability and understanding of chemistry/chemical processes.
• High level of interaction among peers and others, with proactive organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple customer requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, capable of addressing both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and follow customer requests to completion.
• Knowledge of pumps and pumping systems, system calculations, and life cycle costs.
• Familiarity with industry standards (HEI, ANSI, ISO) for pumps.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of welding and fabrication preferred.
• Knowledge of rotating equipment/drivetrain preferred.
• Understanding of competition in various markets and regions preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent compensation package including a flexible benefits plan and generous 401(k) retirement plan.
• Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Life and disability insurance.