Applications Engineer (United States)

Company Overview

Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT) Inc., is a global leader in the manufacturing of stainless steel equipment and components for screening and refining in the pulp and paper industry. It is part of the Aikawa Group, a family-owned Japanese company with facilities in Asia, Europe, and Canada.

We are a recognized leader in the manufacturing of stainless-steel wear parts for industrial screening and refining, primarily serving the pulp and paper sector. As part of a global operation, AFT operates facilities in North America and collaborates closely with our international sister divisions.

AFT application engineers have a critical role in meeting the goals and mission of the company.

Job function:

AFT application engineers report to a Regional Manager. The application engineer’s primary job function is to devise pulp screening and/or refining solutions for AFT’s customers based on our industry-leading technology. Have the ability to respond to technical questions about our products, conduct audits of mill stock preparation systems, develop customer proposals, and present technical seminars. Coordinate the planning, design, and installation of screening and refining products in an industrial environment. Promote the growth of AFT’s business in assigned territory, not only through applications services, but also by supporting sales and manufacturing functions.

Essential functions for an AFT Applications Engineer

• Develop screening and refining solutions for customers based on AFT’s pulp screening and refining components by utilizing AFT’s proprietary software for building, sizing, troubleshooting and predictive processes.
• Support AFT’s sales representatives and customer service group in the product application and quotation processes.
• Work closely with AFT product managers and technology group in order to stay up to date with the latest technical offerings and when and how to apply AFT products.
• Promote the growth of AFT’s business in the assigned territory through the coordinating with the Regional Manager(s), product managers and sales team.
• Oversee equipment start-ups to ensure products are installed properly, functioning according to specifications, and operating in a reliable and safe manner.
• Provide training to AFT’s customers and sales representatives including the application of products, maintenance and service of respective products.
• Stay abreast of technical developments and current trends in the pulp and paper industry by participating in training sessions, seminars, and continuing education.
• Establish a home office in order to efficiently and effectively carry out the essential functions of an application engineer and to communicate with AFT’s corporate office, customer support team, and manufacturing/engineering in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, as well as all other AFT personnel.
• Be proficient using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software programs available for presenting data to AFT’s customers in an organized and clear form being knowledgeable of the technical level and expertise of the audience.
• Observe and practice all safety policies and procedures as dictated by the customer’s mill site. Maintain all current safety status and certifications required/mandated by AFT or the individual customer/client visited.
• Write clear and concise mill visit reports utilizing AFT’s CRM including all related documents concerning technical audits, proposals and recommendations.
• Communicate with the Regional Manager a structured business review on a weekly basis.

Qualifications:

• Education : Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering. An advanced degree would be an asset;
• Experience : Previous experience in pulp and paper either from working in a pulp and/or paper mill or from working with a major supplier to a pulp and paper industry;
• Experience in application engineering, process engineering, or technical support within an industrial environment, preferably in the pulp and paper industry;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in technical audits, process optimization, and equipment start-ups;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer relationship skills, with the ability to train and support a variety of stakeholders;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems, with the ability to work independently from a home office and travel frequently to customer sites.

Working Conditions

• Remote work environment with frequent travel to customer sites, mills, and internal facilities.
• Field work may include exposure to industrial environments (noise, moving equipment, elevated temperatures, confined areas) and requires adherence to site safety requirements and PPE.
• Ability to lift and handle typical field instruments and samples as required for audits (reasonable accommodation as applicable).