Application Engineer, Chain

Peer Chain Company•Waukegan, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role bridges engineering expertise with customer application needs, providing advanced technical guidance in chain and sprocket selection, application analysis, and problem solving. The position partners closely with Sales, Product Management, and Supply Chain to support business growth, improve product fit, and drive customer success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
10+ years of experience in application engineering, technical sales, or product engineering within power transmission (chain and sprocket preferred)
Strong working knowledge of roller chain systems and industrial applications
Experience supporting or working with industrial distributors and OEMs
Proven ability to influence technical decisions and support commercial outcomes
Strong blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen
Ability to translate application insight into practical, revenue-generating solutions
Effective communicator with engineers, purchasing teams, and sales professionals
Proactive, solutions-oriented problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset

Nice To Haves

Background in agriculture, material handling, or similar industries
Customer-facing experience in technical or sales environments
Chain and sprocket engineering fundamentals, including engagement mechanics and tooth profile design
Lubrication methods, wear mechanisms, and fatigue behavior under varying operating conditions
Understanding of shock loads, elongation, and system dynamics in power transmission systems
Strong diagnostic capability for identifying and resolving field performance issues

Responsibilities

Analyze customer applications and recommend optimal chain and sprocket solutions based on load, speed, environment, and duty cycle
Perform detailed chain selection, including size, pitch, material, attachments, and lubrication requirements
Provide integrated solutions to customers with consideration of chain, sprocket, tensioner and their layout.
Troubleshoot field issues and conduct root cause failure analysis (wear, elongation, fatigue, misalignment, lubrication, overload)
Prepare technical reports, application recommendations, and customer-facing documentation
Provide technical support to Sales, including participation in customer visits and OEM engagements
Support specification development and influence OEM approvals and product positioning
Collaborate with Product Management to identify application gaps, over-specification, and continuous improvement opportunities
Communicate effectively with Supply Chain on technical requirements vs. supply constraints to support sourcing and localization
Align global part numbers and specifications with real-world applications and support standardization initiatives