Applications Engineer III

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.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive technical and commercial proposals in response to RFPs, RFQs, and customer inquiries
• Create detailed technical specifications, system architectures, and scope of work documents
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, budgets, and project schedules for proposed solutions
• Prepare compelling technical proposals and participate in customer proposal reviews
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and operations teams to ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility
• Manage proposal timelines and coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders
• Establish 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 vendors
• Stay current on emerging technologies, product releases, and industry trends from major suppliers
• Evaluate and qualify new vendors and products for company standards
• Cook up vendor technical support as needed
• Leverage vendor relationships to obtain competitive advantages and technical insights
• Serve as primary technical contact for customer inquiries and requirements discussions
• Conduct site visits to assess customer facilities, applications, and technical requirements
• Analyze customer processes, challenges, and objectives to develop optimal solutions
• Present technical solutions and recommendations to customers with clarity and confidence
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive, professional communication
• Provide technical guidance on VFD systems, motor controls, power distribution, and automation solutions
• Apply electrical engineering principles to design and specify power systems solutions
• Perform load calculations, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration
• Interpret customer specifications, single-line diagrams, and technical drawings
• Develop system layouts, equipment schedules, and interconnection diagrams
• Ensure all proposed solutions comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, IEEE, IEC, etc.)
• Provide technical support to project engineering teams during design and execution phases
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and design optimization
• Create technical documentation, application notes, and selection guides
• Participate in industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums
• Support business development initiatives with technical expertise and market intelligence
• Conduct competitive analysis and provide feedback on market positioning
• Work closely with sales teams to qualify leads and support customer acquisition
• Cook up project management and engineering teams to ensure smooth project handoffs
• Interface with procurement to ensure vendor compliance and timely equipment delivery
• Provide input to product development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Mentor junior engineers and share industry knowledge across the organization

Qualifications

• 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
• 4-7 years of progressive experience in the power generation, power controls, and power distribution industry
• Proven track record in application engineering, sales engineering, or technical project management roles
• Demonstrated success in preparing and winning technical proposals and bids
• Strong background in VFD systems, motor control solutions, and industrial power distribution
• Desired 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 equipment
• Background in project-based engineering with exposure to multiple project lifecycles
• Solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and power systems design principles
• In-depth knowledge of VFD drives, soft starters, motor control centers, PLCs, and SCADA systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and IEC standards
• Strong familiarity with SCR drives, generator controls, switchgear, and medium voltage equipment
• Experience with load analysis, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration
• Established relationships with major control and VFD equipment manufacturers
• Knowledge of market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies
• Familiarity with vendor pricing structures, lead times, and negotiation strategies
• Exceptional 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 profitability
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and navigate complex commercial discussions
• Customer-Focused: Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to customer satisfaction
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with creative approach to developing innovative solutions
• Self-Motivated: Proactive, independent worker with strong organizational and time management abilities
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Collaboration: Team player with ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in proposal preparation, cost estimation, and technical documentation
• Willingness to Travel: Available for domestic and occasional international travel (approximately 20-30%)