Job purpose

Performs functions to provide analysis of customer specifications or requirements to create complete equipment or modernization sales proposals including technical, commercial and pricing aspects for a project.  The Application Engineer also provides continuous support or direction to other company departments involved with the process after receipt of order through product shipment and installation. 

Under general direction:

• Perform application engineering functions, relating to requests for proposals from the company’s sales group for the rail maintenance equipment product line, selects the appropriate equipment and components, sizes selected components and defines a project scope of work.
• Develops material and labor cost estimates relating to a project.
• Prepares and reviews proposals for the rail maintenance equipment product line.
• Maintains and/or assist others with costing databases used as part of the estimating process.
• Reviews customer supplied specifications.  Interfaces with customers and sales team members to address issues and questions relating to the specifications or scope of work.
• Reviews OEM vendor proposals for completeness and accuracy to meet requirements.
• Provides technical support to and liaison with the company’s sales team.
• Participates in the sales order entry process.
• Creates equipment manuals in support of a project that meets the company standards as well as customer requirements.
• Provides support to the company customer service and warranty group to resolve issues relating to the equipment.
• Works closely with other team members within the rail maintenance equipment group including engineering and supporting staff personnel as well as other functional areas including purchasing and manufacturing.
• Works closely with OEM vendors, customers, and A&E firms.
• Support overall company goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reports to:

The Rail Maintenance Equipment Group Manager.

Uses:

Microsoft Office Suite of programs (Word, Excel), company ERP system, company CAD and Modeling systems (SolidWorks).

Job Requirements:

• 2 – 4 years of college education in mechanical engineering (ME, MET) or significant related employment experience required. 4-year degree in mechanical engineering preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical machinery components required.  Experience with the design of heavy capital equipment as it relates to railroads preferred.
• Demonstrate the ability to size mechanical components including gearing, couplings, shafting, power screws and motors, etc., through calculations.  May create equipment layouts as needed to support the application requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to read and understand machinery and structural drawings, customer supplied specifications, industry codes and standards.
• Ability to travel on occasion to support a sales effort, typically a partial day up to 3 days within a week, 1 – 10 times per year.  Includes the ability to work in an industrial maintenance environment to review as built equipment, site conditions, assist in equipment troubleshooting and start-up with new equipment.
• Occasionally work in a manufacturing environment in a technical support, troubleshooting, and training role.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to use CAD software in addition to MS Office Word and Excel.

Performs other duties as assigned.  Participate in company sponsored continuous initiatives and activities.

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances. 401(k). EOE Employer M/F/V/D