Applications Engineer

Job Description:

Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works, ( is a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment and supplies for use in material analysis. Over the past 90 years, Buehler has established sales, manufacturing and laboratory services located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Comprised of world-class products and brands, such as Wilson Hardness, Buehler continues a long history of providing market-leading technology to support our customers in their sample preparation and material analysis applications.

Buehler’s parent company, ITW, is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The Company focuses on profitable growth with strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets.

The Applications Engineer serves as a technical expert supporting customers in material analysis, sample preparation, hardness testing, and image analysis solutions. Working closely with Sales, Product Management, and R&D, this role provides technical guidance, delivers customer training, conducts application studies, and supports product development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as primary technical advisor to customers, providing guidance on sample preparation, hardness testing, and image analysis solutions.

• Deliver customer training programs to ensure effective product adoption and usage.

• Partner with the Sales teams to support the development of key opportunities.

• Execute application studies and customer projects, documenting results and generating technical reports.

• Provide application expertise and customer feedback to support product development and improvement initiatives.

• Track customer requests, maintain documentation, and ensure adherence to safety and laboratory best practices.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and laboratory staff.

• Promote knowledge sharing and consistency in application methods across the team.

Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related discipline required. Postgraduate qualification (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.

• 5+ years in material characterization, including hardness testing, image analysis and sample preparation.

• Strong expertise in metallography and material analysis techniques.

• Customer-facing or applications engineering experience preferred.

• Prior team management or leadership experience preferred.

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and technical reporting.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and customer focused.

• Strong collaborator with ability to work independently.

• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support customer and business needs.

Additional Information:

• 7.5% 401K match

• 4 weeks of paid time off

• 10 paid company holidays

• Recognition program

• Competitive health insurance

Compensation Information:

The base salary for this position is $70,000-$110,000. Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.