Job DescriptionApplication Engineering ManagerPosition SummaryThe Application Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team of application engineers in the development of technical solutions, proposals, and engineered systems that support customer requirements and business objectives. This role serves as the bridge between sales, engineering, and project management, ensuring solutions are technically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with company standards. The Application Engineering Manager drives team performance, process improvement, technical excellence, and strategic support for growth initiatives.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Application Engineers.
- Establish performance expectations, goals, and development plans for team members.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Allocate engineering resources to support business priorities and customer commitments.
- Identify staffing needs and support recruiting, onboarding, and training initiatives.
Technical Leadership- Provide technical oversight of engineered solutions, proposals, and system designs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulations, and internal engineering practices.
- Review and approve complex technical concepts, calculations, specifications, and solution architectures.
- Support risk assessments and technical evaluations for significant opportunities and projects.
Sales & Business Support- Partner with sales teams to develop customer-focused technical solutions.
- Support strategic account planning and pursuit activities.
- Review project opportunities and ensure proposals accurately reflect scope, assumptions, risks, and exclusions.
- Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and executive-level discussions as needed.
- Provide technical guidance to improve win rates and profitability.
Process & Operational Excellence- Develop and maintain application engineering processes, standards, and best practices.
- Drive consistency in estimating, solution development, proposal generation, and technical documentation.
- Track and improve key performance indicators including proposal cycle time and quote accuracy.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Support digital transformation, automation, and engineering tools adoption.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Project Management, Procurement, and Service teams.
- Ensure smooth transition of projects from proposal development to execution.
- Support lessons-learned reviews and continuous improvement programms.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
- 7+ years of engineering, applications engineering, or technical sales experience.
- 3+ years of leadership or management experience.
- Strong technical problem-solving and solution development capabilities.
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Proficiency with engineering software, Microsoft Office, and CRM/ERP systems.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in industrial equipment, automation, material handling, lifting equipment, or engineered systems industries.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or advanced engineering degree.
- Experience supporting capital equipment, modernization, or large-scale industrial projects.
- Familiarity with applicable standards such as OSHA, CMAA, ASME, NEC, and ISO standards where relevant.
Key Competencies- Leadership and Team Development
- Strategic Thinking
- Customer Focus
- Commercial Acumen
- Technical Expertise
- Project Management
- Decision Making
- Continuous Improvement
- Risk Management
- Effective Communication
Performance Measures- Proposal quality and accuracy
- Quote lead times and responsiveness
- Project margin support
- Customer satisfaction
- Employee engagement and retention
- Process improvement implementation
- Safety and compliance performance
Reporting StructureReports To: Vice President of Enterprise SolutionsDirect Reports: Application EngineersAdditional InformationWhat we offer:Benefits: Medical Plan, Dental, Vision, 401k plan with a match from day one, identity theft protection, accident insurance, travel insurance and so much more!
Vacation: 2 weeks of vacation per year (pro-rated for the first year depending on start date). 5-12 years of service, 3 weeks. 13+ years of service, 4 weeks.
Sick Leave: 5 days of Sick Leave per year. Pro-rated the first year after 90 days of service
Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year
Konecranes moves what matters
