Purpose and MissionBridon® Steel Wire Ropes by Bekaert is hiring an Application Engineer to strengthen our North American commercial organization. This is a hands-on, field-oriented role for a technical expert with deep experience in wire rope applications across the Crane & Industrial markets. The role reports to the Segment Leader, with a dotted-line relationship to the Technical & Quality Manager.
ABOUT THE ROLE You are the technical backbone of the commercial team. You bring application expertise directly to the field, resolving quality claims, conducting equipment and rope inspections, driving innovation through new rope designs and customer trials, and owning the deployment and growth of our Ropes 360 advanced services platform.
Key Activities and Responsibilities- Serve as the primary technical resource for the sales team during customer visits, demos, and troubleshooting.
- Investigate and resolve quality claims: field sample collection, root cause analysis, and customer-facing reports.
- Conduct on-site inspections of wire ropes, sheaves, drums, and reeving systems on cranes, draglines, shovels, and oil rigs.
- Lead innovation efforts: new rope designs, product trials, and collaboration with our Ropes Technology Centre.
- Own, deploy, and grow Ropes 360 services in NAM (VisionTek, MRT, lubrication, installation, splicing).
- Drive Bridon specification in OEM equipment designs (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr, P&H, NOV) and convert competitive rope usage to Bridon at end users.
- Develop and deliver training programs for customers, distributors, and internal teams (classroom and field).
- Author white papers and technical bulletins positioning Bekaert as the industry authority.
- Onboard and mentor new technical and sales team members.
- Maintain detailed visit reports and technical recommendations for all field activities.
Skills- Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of T&I processes, machinery operation, and production technologies.
- Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills to identify and resolve issues.
- Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical staff.
- Hands-On Expertise: Proficiency in operating and steering various types of machinery.
- Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Teamwork: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with R&D teams and plant personnel.
Previous Experience- BS/BA in Mechanical, Mining, Materials Science, or related technical field.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in wire rope applications, heavy equipment maintenance, or technical field service.
- Hands-on experience with cranes, draglines, rope shovels, drilling rigs, or similar heavy equipment.
- Knowledge of wire rope inspection standards (OSHA [redacted], ISO 4309, ASME B30) and discard criteria.
- Experience with non-destructive testing (MRT, VisionTek, ultrasonic) preferred.
- Proven ability to investigate quality claims and deliver root cause analysis reports.
- Strong presentation and training delivery skills (classroom and field).
- Experience in steel ropes is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to author technical white papers and thought-leadership content.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Qualifications and Education- TRAVEL & LOCATION
- Willingness to travel 40% throughout North America.
- Preferred location: Remote
WHAT YOU'LL DELIVER
- Faster quality claim resolution (85% within 30 days)
- Min. 20 field inspections per quarter
- 25%+ Ropes 360 revenue growth YoY
- Bridon specification in min. 3 OEM platforms per year
- Min. 6 customer lunch & learn sessions per quarter
- Min. 2 published white papers per year
