Sr Applications Engineer

Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. With over 60 years of experience, we specialize in handling the most complex projects, from centrifuge testing for Mars rovers to vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS) and environmental simulations for next-generation missiles. We are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation.

About the role

Element U.S. Space & Defense is seeking an experienced Test Engineer (Environmental, Mechanical, Dynamics Vibration/Shock, or EMI) to work as an Applications/Sales Engineer. This role provides engineering support to Sales and Operations to generate offers for existing and new clients. This is not a hands-on testing role; instead, you will assist in the quoting process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery while working closely with customers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day overall quoting process, ensuring quotations are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Support other Application Engineers as required.
• Develop and write quotations for new and existing accounts.
• Optimize pricing strategies to position Element U.S. Space & Defense competitively and win work.
• Collaborate with facility managers, regional sales managers, and customer service agents to set winning strategies for quotations.
• Answer technical questions from Sales personnel and potential clients.
• Maintain awareness of business objectives, competitive advantages, and capacity utilization for each service provided.
• Stay informed about competitors' capabilities and the broader business climate, including economic, regulatory, and industry trends.
• Develop an in-depth technical knowledge of all Element U.S. Space & Defense services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (present and future) and able to pass a drug test, DMV, and background check.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree preferred; equivalent experience may substitute for educational requirements.
• Five (5) years of experience in laboratory testing related to Environmental, Mechanical, Dynamics Vibration/Shock, and/or EMI.
• Past program management or supervisory experience is highly desired.
• Ability to sell testing services to prospects using Element U.S. Space & Defense sales and testing tools; strong customer interface skills are required.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
• Experience with costing and quoting for Environmental testing is strongly desired.
• Working knowledge of Military and Commercial Specifications is strongly desired.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.

Working Conditions

• Test lab environment with exposure to sudden, loud noises.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on hire date.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly.
• 401k with employer match.
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year.
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs.
• Flexible schedules offered at some labs.
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (based on position).

Pay

Compensation is determined through a comprehensive approach considering candidate qualifications, role responsibilities, market benchmarks, and organizational needs. For this position, the annual base salary target range is $111,000 - $127,000/yr, with potential eligibility for bonuses or commission depending on the role.