Applications Engineer -Transformer Processing Equipment

The Nowak Group•Fort Wayne, IN

22d•$130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Applications Engineer to support the specification, quotation, and application of our transformer oil processing and vacuum dry‑out systems. The role combines hands‑on engineering with customer‑facing work to ensure that equipment is properly selected, configured, and applied to prepare dielectric fluids and transformers for reliable service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline; or equivalent technical experience in transformer service or oil processing equipment.
3+ years of experience in applications engineering, sales engineering, project engineering, or technical support in power systems, transformer service, or related industrial equipment.
Working knowledge of power transformers, insulating oil properties, moisture and gas contamination, and basic transformer service practices (dry‑out, vacuum filling, oil processing).
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
Experience specifying or working with vacuum systems, pumps, heaters, filtration, and industrial controls (PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation) is strongly preferred.
Proficiency with standard office software and comfort working within ERP/CRM and configuration/quoting tools.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both engineers and field personnel.
Solid analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to estimate processing times, evaluate sizing options, and make sound engineering trade‑offs.
Ability to travel periodically to customer sites and industry events

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with transformer oil purification units, vacuum oil processors, or transformer dry‑out/processing equipment.
Background in utility, transmission & distribution, large industrial power systems, or transformer service organizations.
Familiarity with applicable standards and guidelines (e.g., IEEE/IEC transformer and insulating fluid standards, vacuum and oil processing best practices).
Experience with CAD (mechanical or electrical) for reviewing and marking up layouts, skid designs, and panel drawings.
Prior customer‑facing experience in field service, commissioning, or technical sales support.

Responsibilities

Work with customers, sales, and internal engineering to define technical solutions for transformer processing projects, including new installations, retrofits, and field service applications.
Interpret customer specifications, one‑line diagrams, transformer nameplate data, and job scopes to size and select appropriate equipment (oil purifiers, vacuum dry‑out systems, auxiliary equipment).
Develop system concepts, P&IDs, and bills of material for mobile and stationary units that process dielectric fluids (typically mineral oil and alternative insulating fluids) and dry transformers.
Prepare detailed cost estimates, technical proposals, and quotations, clearly defining scope, performance guarantees (e.g., moisture levels, BDV targets), and project assumptions.
Specify and apply key components such as vacuum pumps, oil pumps, heaters, filters, degasification modules, instrumentation, and controls to meet performance, safety, and code requirements.
Support customers and internal teams with technical application questions related to transformer oil purification, vacuum processing, moisture removal, and best practices for transformer commissioning.
Coordinate with suppliers and partners to evaluate components and options that optimize performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership for systems.
Provide engineering support during order execution: reviewing customer approvals, clarifying technical requirements, and assisting with FAT, commissioning plans, and acceptance criteria.
Create and maintain application tools, standard configurations, datasheets, and documentation (e.g., sizing guidelines for flow, vacuum level, temperature, and processing time calculations).
As needed, visit customer sites (utilities, industrial plants, service companies) to gather application data, observe field setups, and support startup or troubleshooting of equipment.