Department: MedTech, Specialty Audio
Location: Itasca, IL
Reports To: Senior Product Line Manager
POSITION SUMMARYKnowles is seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused Senior Application Engineer to serve as the technical bridge between customers, product management, engineering, and manufacturing. This role is responsible for translating customer requirements into innovative, manufacturable solutions that support the growth of our MedTech business.
The Senior Application Engineer will partner closely with customers, sales, product line management, R&D, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME), quality, and operations teams to evaluate opportunities, develop technical solutions, prepare quotations, and support successful commercialization of new products and technologies. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with commercial acumen, customer-facing experience, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges within the medical device industry.
This is a high-visibility role with significant exposure to leading medical device OEMs and global cross-functional teams, playing a critical role in driving new business growth and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTechnical Solution Development- Analyze customer specifications, drawings, and samples.
- Determine technical and commercial requirements for customer applications.
- Develop custom engineering solutions in partnership with R&D and AME Engineering teams.
- Review application feasibility and ensure compliance with customer and industry requirements.
- Support technical bid reviews for complex opportunities.
Quotation & Commercial Support- Prepare accurate quotations for standard and custom equipment.
- Develop cost models and determine pricing strategies.
- Support negotiations based on market and competitive information.
- Ensure quotations are completed accurately and on schedule.
Customer & Sales Support- Serve as a technical resource for customers and sales teams.
- Provide prompt verbal and written communication throughout the sales cycle.
- Participate in customer meetings, product demonstrations, and technical presentations.
- Assist with customer training and technical support activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, sales representatives, and internal stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Communicate customer requirements to engineering, operations, purchasing, and manufacturing teams.
- Coordinate solution development across departments.
- Support continuous process improvement and achievement of departmental KPIs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering/manufacturing engineering.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with standard business and engineering software tools.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Concentration in MedTech Industry
- Customer-facing engineering or technical sales experience.
- Experience in Micro-molding/Micro-Stamping/Value-Add Assembly.
- Experience working with global manufacturing teams.
