Application Engineering Director

Application Engineering Director

The Application Engineering Director is a senior leadership role responsible for driving technical excellence, strategic sales support, and operational efficiency within the sanitary process industry. This position combines deep engineering expertise with strong leadership and commercial acumen to ensure seamless integration of technical solutions, superior client experience, and profitable growth. The Director will oversee application engineering, inside sales operations, and collaborate closely with project management, outside sales, and executive leadership to deliver best-in-class solutions for food & beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical clients.

Technical Oversight & Application Engineering

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for sanitary process systems, pumps, valves, and fluid handling equipment.
• Lead technical reviews, equipment sizing, and selection to ensure compliance with sanitary standards and process requirements.
• Oversee preparation of technical proposals, P&ID reviews, and integration plans for complex projects.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff, creating training paths for technical and leadership growth.

Team Development & Performance

• Lead, motivate, and coach application engineers and inside sales professionals.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develop training materials and guidelines to enhance technical and commercial capabilities.

Inside Sales Management

• Direct inside sales team activities, ensuring timely and accurate quotations for equipment and services.
• Collaborate with outside sales to provide technical expertise and support during client engagements.
• Evaluate vendor quotes for alignment with client specifications and project goals.
• Implement best practices for pricing, margin control, and quote accuracy.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement strategies for application engineering and inside sales to align with company growth objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in technical processes, documentation standards, and customer engagement.
• Participate in long-term planning for engineering and sales operations and work with organization on continuous improvement.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted subject matter expert with the outside sales team to clients, integrators, and engineering firms and assist in delivering technical presentations and solution recommendations.
• Coordinate with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure project success and customer satisfaction.

Project Management

• Identify and mitigate risks related to technical solutions, resource allocation, and project execution for those large projects as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Biological Systems, or related field). Advanced degree or PMP certification preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years in sanitary process engineering, project management, or technical sales, with proven leadership experience.
• Industry Expertise: Strong knowledge of sanitary fluid process systems, pumps, valves, and mechanical systems supporting food & beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Leadership: Ability to build and lead high-performing technical and sales teams.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in process design software (AutoCAD or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commercial Acumen: Experience in pricing strategies, margin analysis, and contract negotiation.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Pay & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000. Please note, range is based upon factors including candidate skills, experience and qualifications, education, certifications, as well as market and business considerations. This position is also bonus eligible, which is based on individual performance and team targets. Other offerings include: Medical insurance is available for full time employees and their dependents through Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are various options available including HSA and PPO plans. Similarly, dental, vision, and disability coverages are also available. The company provides full time employees with life insurance and offers employees the ability to purchase additional voluntary supplemental insurance as well. The Company also offers 401k with matching employer contributions along with a discretionary profit-sharing benefit to eligible employees.