Applications Engineer II

Position Summary: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 inquiriesCreate detailed technical specifications, system architectures, and scope of work documentsDevelop accurate cost estimates, budgets, and project schedules for proposed solutionsPrepare compelling technical proposals and participate in customer proposal reviewsCollaborate with sales, engineering, and operations teams to ensure proposal accuracy and feasibilityManage proposal timelines and coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholdersEstablish 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 vendorsStay current on emerging technologies, product releases, and industry trends from major suppliersEvaluate and qualify new vendors and products for company standardsCoordinate vendor technical support as neededLeverage vendor relationships to obtain competitive advantages and technical insightsServe as primary technical contact for customer inquiries and requirements discussionsConduct site visits to assess customer facilities, applications, and technical requirementsAnalyze customer processes, challenges, and objectives to develop optimal solutionsPresent technical solutions and recommendations to customers with clarity and confidenceBuild and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive, professional communicationProvide technical guidance on VFD systems, motor controls, power distribution, and automation solutionsApply electrical engineering principles to design and specify power systems solutionsPerform load calculations, motor sizing, and electrical system configurationInterpret customer specifications, single-line diagrams, and technical drawingsDevelop system layouts, equipment schedules, and interconnection diagramsEnsure all proposed solutions comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, IEEE,IEC, etc.)Provide technical support to project engineering teams during design and execution phasesIdentify opportunities for value engineering and design optimizationDevelop standardized solutions and product offerings for common applicationsCreate technical documentation, application notes, and selection guidesParticipate in industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forumsSupport business development initiatives with technical expertise and market intelligenceConduct competitive analysis and provide feedback on market positioningWork closely with sales teams to qualify leads and support customer acquisitionCoordinate with project management and engineering teams to ensure smooth project handoffsInterface with procurement to ensure vendor compliance and timely equipment deliveryProvide input to product development and continuous improvement initiativesMentor junior engineers and share industry knowledge across the organizationQualifications: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 industryProven track record in application engineering, sales engineering, or technical project management rolesDemonstrated success in preparing and winning technical proposals and bidsStrong background in VFD systems, motor control solutions, and industrial power distributionDesired 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 equipmentBackground in project-based engineering with exposure to multiple project lifecycles Solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and power systems design principlesIn-depth knowledge of VFD drives, soft starters, motor control centers, PLCs, and SCADA systemsStrong familiarity with SCR drives, generator controls, switchgear, and medium voltage equipmentProficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)Understanding of NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and IEC standardsAbility to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and technical documentationExperience with load analysis, motor sizing, and electrical system configurationEstablished relationships with major control and VFD equipment manufacturersStrong understanding of product lines from vendors such as ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Danfoss, GE, and similar suppliersKnowledge of market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologiesFamiliarity with vendor pricing structures, lead times, and negotiation strategiesExceptional 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 profitabilityNegotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and navigate complex commercial discussionsCustomer-Focused: Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to customer satisfactionProblem-Solving: Analytical mindset with creative approach to developing innovative solutionsSelf-Motivated: Proactive, independent worker with strong organizational and time management abilitiesAdaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentCollaboration: Team player with ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levelsAttention to Detail: Meticulous in proposal preparation, cost estimation, and technical documentationWillingness 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.