Industrial Sales Engineer / Application Engineer (Manufacturing)

Air Power Inc. • New Freedom, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Application Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for industrial paint, powder coating, applied fluids and sealant and adhesives systems across the Mid-Atlantic 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 and assembly production lines, recommend coating application equipment and fluid delivery 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. Recent graduates with strong internships, co-op, or hands-on capstone experience are encouraged to apply.
• 0–5 years in technical support, application engineering, industrial sales, or systems troubleshooting. We provide full onboarding and training for entry-level candidates with strong technical fundamentals and an interest in manufacturing automation.
• 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 independently 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

• Experience using AI tools to improve performance and efficiency is a plus.
• Experience with coating and assembly production lines.
• Background supporting or selling coating application equipment or fluid dispensing systems.
• Familiarity with Air Power’s core product brands or fluid dispense and finishing equipment manufacturers.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate customer finishing/assembly lines to identify needs for industrial paint, powder coating applicators, fluid delivery/supply, proportioning and metering systems, and line integration.
• Advise customers on safe, ergonomic, and efficient methods for applying coatings and fluids 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 and fluids 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.
• Lead in-person and virtual demonstrations of applicators, 2K proportioning equipment, and pump technologies for prospective customers.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and preventive maintenance guidance for applicators, 2K proportioning equipment, and pump technologies (e.g., pressure drops, finish defects).
• Train operators and maintenance teams on safe equipment operation, proper use and storage(pruging), and downtime reduction.
• Partner with account managers, engineering and project management teams to develop turnkey finishing and fluid solutions, custom application equipment, and complete finishing or fluids systems.

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