Applications Engineer II

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Application Engineer to serve as a critical technical and commercial bridge between our customers, vendors, and internal engineering teams. This role requires a unique combination of deep technical expertise in power generation, controls, and distribution systems, combined with exceptional communication skills and business acumen. The Application Engineer will be responsible for developing comprehensive technical proposals, cultivating strategic vendor relationships, engineering custom solutions, and serving as a trusted technical advisor to our clients.

This is a high-impact position that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on technical capability. The ideal candidate will bring extensive industry experience and the ability to translate complex customer requirements into practical, cost-effective solutions that drive business growth.

This position reports to the Vice President of Technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the development of comprehensive technical and commercial proposals in response to RFPs, RFQs, and customer inquiries

Create detailed technical specifications, system architectures, and scope of work documents

Develop accurate cost estimates, budgets, and project schedules for proposed solutions

Prepare compelling technical proposals and participate in customer proposal reviews

Collaborate with sales, engineering, and operations teams to ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility

Manage proposal timelines and coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders

Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with key equipment vendors and manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Danfoss, etc.)

Negotiate pricing, lead times, technical specifications, and commercial terms with vendors

Stay current on emerging technologies, product releases, and industry trends from major suppliers

Evaluate and qualify new vendors and products for company standards

Coordinate vendor technical support as needed

Leverage vendor relationships to obtain competitive advantages and technical insights

Serve as primary technical contact for customer inquiries and requirements discussions

Conduct site visits to assess customer facilities, applications, and technical requirements

Analyze customer processes, challenges, and objectives to develop optimal solutions

Present technical solutions and recommendations to customers with clarity and confidence

Build and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive, professional communication

Provide technical guidance on VFD systems, motor controls, power distribution, and automation solutions

Apply electrical engineering principles to design and specify power systems solutions

Perform load calculations, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration

Interpret customer specifications, single-line diagrams, and technical drawings

Develop system layouts, equipment schedules, and interconnection diagrams

Ensure all proposed solutions comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, IEEE,IEC, etc.)

Provide technical support to project engineering teams during design and execution phases

Identify opportunities for value engineering and design optimization

Develop standardized solutions and product offerings for common applications

Create technical documentation, application notes, and selection guides

Participate in industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums

Support business development initiatives with technical expertise and market intelligence

Conduct competitive analysis and provide feedback on market positioning

Work closely with sales teams to qualify leads and support customer acquisition

Coordinate with project management and engineering teams to ensure smooth project handoffs

Interface with procurement to ensure vendor compliance and timely equipment delivery

Provide input to product development and continuous improvement initiatives

Mentor junior engineers and share industry knowledge across the organization

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with equivalent combination of technical education and significant industry experience will be considered)

2-4 years of progressive experience in the power generation, power controls, and power distribution industry

Proven track record in application engineering, sales engineering, or technical project management roles

Demonstrated success in preparing and winning technical proposals and bids

Strong background in VFD systems, motor control solutions, and industrial power distribution

Desired experience working across multiple industrial sectors (oil & gas, petrochemical, water/wastewater, mining, power generation, etc.)

Demonstrated experience in designing VFD systems, motor controls, and power distribution equipment

Background in project-based engineering with exposure to multiple project lifecycles

Solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and power systems design principles

In-depth knowledge of VFD drives, soft starters, motor control centers, PLCs, and SCADA systems

Strong familiarity with SCR drives, generator controls, switchgear, and medium voltage equipment

Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Understanding of NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and IEC standards

Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and technical documentation

Experience with load analysis, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration

Established relationships with major control and VFD equipment manufacturers

Strong understanding of product lines from vendors such as ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Danfoss, GE, and similar suppliers

Knowledge of market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies

Familiarity with vendor pricing structures, lead times, and negotiation strategies

Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences (customers, executives, technical teams)

Business Acumen: Strong commercial awareness with ability to balance technical requirements with cost considerations and profitability

Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and navigate complex commercial discussions

Customer-Focused: Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to customer satisfaction

Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with creative approach to developing innovative solutions

Self-Motivated: Proactive, independent worker with strong organizational and time management abilities

Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Collaboration: Team player with ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in proposal preparation, cost estimation, and technical documentation

Willingness to Travel: Available for domestic and occasional international travel (approximately 20-30%)

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.