Industrial Sales Engineer / Application Engineer (Manufacturing)

Air Power Inc. • Chattanooga, TN

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Application Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for industrial paint, powder coating, and finishing systems across the Southeast region. This hybrid, customer-facing role is well suited for an early-career engineer or technically minded professional who enjoys solving manufacturing challenges, working directly with customers, and developing expertise in industrial automation and finishing technologies. In this role, you will evaluate customer production and finishing production lines, recommend coating application and system improvements, support implementation, and collaborate with sales, engineering, and technical service teams to deliver safe, ergonomic, and efficient solutions. The position bridges engineering, materials science, manufacturing processes, and customer support, with a focus on applying protective, decorative, and functional coatings to products and surfaces. Air Power welcomes both experienced professionals and motivated recent graduates. We provide structured onboarding, hands-on technical training, and long-term growth opportunities within an established industrial solutions business.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, manufacturing technology, or a related field.
• 0–5 years in technical support, application engineering, industrial sales, or systems troubleshooting.
• Foundational knowledge of industrial paint equipment, spray guns, industrial pumps, fluid dynamics, and materials science.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong problem-solving, clear communication, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to travel regionally 3–4 days per week for customer plant visits, including occasional overnight stays.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Comfortable working in active industrial environments, using mechanical tools, and lifting or positioning equipment up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Recent graduates with strong internships, co-op, or hands-on capstone experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience using AI tools to improve performance and efficiency is a plus.
• Experience with finishing or coating production lines.
• Background supporting or selling coating application equipment or finishing systems.
• Familiarity with Air Power’s core product brands or similar industrial paint and finishing equipment manufacturers.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate customer finishing lines to identify needs for industrial paint and powder coating applicators, proportioning and metering systems, and line integration.
• Advise customers on safe, ergonomic, and efficient methods for applying coatings and finishes to products.
• Assess existing pneumatic and electric pumps, applicators, and proportioning units to identify opportunities for upgrades, optimization, and automation.
• Recommend, specify, and configure coating application equipment and proportioning systems based on customer production and finishing requirements.
• Program, calibrate, and configure process controls for 2K proportioning systems and operator HMIs.
• Partner with engineering and project management teams to develop turnkey finishing solutions, custom application equipment, and complete finishing systems.
• Track industry trends, safety regulations, and product advancements to recommend next-generation solutions.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Structured technical onboarding and mentorship
• Ongoing training, professional development, and manufacturer certification opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level