Application Engineer I

JOB SUMMARY

It is the responsibility of the Application Engineer (AE), Level 1 to accurately target and define product and project design requirements through the review of plans and specifications. The AE, Level 1 will develop designs to meet customer and internal production needs based on application specific requirements. The AE, Level 1 will lead the preparation of budgetary, intermediate, and firm costing estimates for assigned projects, including scope development, equipment sizing, costing validation, and proposal assembly, in accordance with HUBER’s AE SOP framework.. The AE, Level 1 will also provide technical support to the Regional Sales Director (RSD), Group Product Manager (GPM), and HUBER Representatives, including equipment sizing, hydraulic calculations, proposal scope composition, vendor quote review, drawing coordination efforts, and other related tasks.. The AE, Level 1 should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as conveying information via conference calls is a common requirement. 

The AE, Level 1 will work under the daily supervision of the Engineering Manager and/or designated Tead Leader. He/she will follow established procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. He/she will refer more complex issues to senior Application Engineers and/or the Engineering Manager.

The AE, Level 1 may be required to manage pilot and demonstration equipment at potential project locations throughout USA and Canada. This includes operating mechincal equipment, collecting samples and demonstrating product function to potential customers. The AE may also be required to work alongside the Pilot Coordinator and internal staff to troubleshoot issues that may arise in the field. 

 The AE, Level 1 will be located in the headquarters office in Denver, NC. This position requires infrequent travel within the USA. Trips to Germany may occur, although will be uncommon. The AE, Level 1 should have the ability to read, understand and interpret technical specifications and documentation. He/she should be results-oriented and be able to execute his/her daily tasks in a reasonable timeframe with accuracy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

• Review project correspondence to extract municipal and/or industrial customer requirements, facility process, material requirements, time requirements, tolerances, quality issues, and cost considerations. Investigate previously completed similar projects.

• Review plans, specifications and other customer documentation to develop and prepare cost estimates and a detailed HUBER scope of supply. Provide to senior AE’s, Team Leaders, or Engineering Manager for review and approval before sending it to RSD.
• Maintain notes and other documentation of design issues. Maintain design and sales files for each project/customer with complete information and design details for future reference by themselves or other AE’s. Maintain up-to-date correspondence as customers change product specifications.
• Coordinate design activities with other HUBER team members including but not limited to project management, CAD design, manufacturing and required departments at HUBER SE with attention to prioritizing design phases to assure maximum time efficiency and coordination with other aspects of the overall development schedule. 
• Provide recommendations relative to project approach, good design practices, bill of materials, labor requirements, scheduling, delivery estimates and other cost estimate considerations.  
• Work with HUBER team members to develop a successful concept that meets the Customer’s need.
• Submit pricing and proposal documents to senior AE, Team Leader, and/or Engineering Manager for review and approval before sending it to RSD. Once approved, documents will be emailed to the appropriate departments/employees with copies of the pricing/proposal saved and maintained on the company server in the correct folder
• Participate in company quality control by engaging in project handover meetings, manufacturing facility floor walks, and technical progress meetings with other departments. These may be overseen by senior application engineers or the Proposal Manager. 
• Assist in completing data entries into HUBER Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for each bid and proposal as trained. 
• Project orders are processed by the HUBER Contracts Administrator per the standard SOP including entry into IFS. AE, Level 1 to assist Contract Administrator and provide final technical and pricing review before orders are entered. 
• Answer customer questions regarding HUBER proposals/quotations and support the RSD and independent representatives as required throughout the sales cycle if RSD is not available.
• Provide recommendations and observations relative to design issues for existing products to the supervising AE, or Engineering Manager. 
• Maintain up-to-date familiarity with industry and product developments. Review industry trade literature, and maintain understanding of product introductions, changes, and service policies.
• Be comfortable being trained to operate mechanical equipment and confidently demonstrate the product function to potential customers and engineers. 
• Make constructive suggestions to improve customer service quality from all employees.

AE level 1 will consider the costs associated with bonding (e.g. bid bond, performance bond, maintenance bond, guarantee bond) in estimates and provide a technical review of any performance bond requirements with the Contracts Administrator if needed. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervision responsibilities.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting, however could be exposed to other elements such as dust, noise or other elements on a customer site or the factory floor. It is recommended that vaccinations be up to date for tetanus, Hepatitis A & B. In addition to this, AE level 1 may travel to Wastewater Treatment Facilities, where they will carry out testing on site wastewater and/or sludge (Biosolids). 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

The AE, level 1 should be capable of working under pressure to meet bid deadlines. In addition, the AE Level 1 should be able perform necessary duties at Tradeshows and conference locations, if requested. They must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail. The AE Level 1 must possess excellent verbal, auditory and visual capabilities to adequately communicate via phone and in person as well in Client and Company presentations. The AE Level 1 must be able to move freely from client site, to field sites and the office and manufacturing facility as needed. The AE Level 1 must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a Full-Time position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday – Friday, 8 to 5 with flex schedules available after initial training period as approved by the Engineering Manager.

TRAVEL

Infrequent travel for domestic US or Canadian tradeshows, visits to customer sites, or International trips for training opportunities

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other techncial discipline.
• Related work experience in application engineering, inside sales, or other relevant technical support is desired, but not required. Internships a plus
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes an asset
• Exposure to sales, sales management and/or project management in wastewater treatment industry or related field a plus

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Innate ability to be self-motivated and self-directed.
• Strong computer skills.  Knowledge and proficiency with all MS-Office suite applications. Microsoft Excel will be highly used in this role.
• Familiarity with specification and plan review a plus
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team oriented environment.
• Ability and desire to learn how to operate mechanical equipment.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and character.
• Bias for results and action – getting things done.
• Being personally accountable and taking ownership of responsibilities 
• Desire to succeed in a competitive environment.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Team builder instilling trust and respect among colleagues.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to build long-term relationships and trust with customers and project stakeholders.
• Ability to help drive team enthusiasm. 
• Willingness to discuss information about products if onsite for pilot related activities
  
  Pre-Hire: Ability to pass a drug test, background check as it relates to the role, and completion of an I-9 form. HUBER is an E-Verify Employer.

Huber Technology, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – www.huber-technology.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.