Applications Engineer

Bearings Plus•Pearland, TX

About The Position

The Applications Engineer will be responsible for the engineering and design content of projects for all assigned accounts. They will act as the primary customer liaison for resolution of technical matters and the development of products for customer projects by interpreting specifications and developing those into an engineered solution. They will also be responsible for inspecting used parts, preparing repair procedures and producing designs via reverse engineering. They will apply practical knowledge of hydrodynamic bearing design, obtained through education and work experience. Problems faced may be difficult and will be managed independently with general supervision. They will assist / instruct Design Engineers and check drawings for accuracy of design intent and information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Master’s preferred.
Minimum of 8 years’ work experience in an engineered product environment, preferably rotating equipment, with proven skills and experience in performing Rotordynamics Analysis (RDA).
It is highly desired that at least 3 years’ of this experience is in the design of fluid film bearings, seals and bearing failure analysis.
Strong understanding and engineering principles and design practices.
Strong understanding of product failure modes and excellent, proven problem solving skills.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, structural and fluid dynamics, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Proficiency with MS Office and Windows operating systems is expected. Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, specifications and governmental regulations. Ability to read drawings and prepare graphs, tables, and text for final reports and to write procedure manuals.
Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers and peers.

Nice To Haves

Highly desirable to have experience with FEA, simulation techniques and scientific programming.

Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Analysis Prepare engineering proposals for new projects; identify requirements, analyze product designs, interpret results and determine optimum solution to the customers’ problem. Conduct all necessary engineering calculations, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Rotordynamic Analysis (RDA). Create component and assembly level drawings using 3D CAD software. Check drawings for accuracy of dimension and detail, and manage their subsequent delivery / approval with customers. Perform design reviews, resolve non-conformance issues, and prepare Engineering Change Notices.
Customer Support Develop close working relationships with key customers’ technical contacts, ensuring that business opportunities are recognized and responded to appropriately at an early stage. Significant customer interaction with respect to the engineering and management of projects, pre and post contract, for assigned accounts. Respond to customer concerns and resolve any technical problems to ensure that company products are working effectively and the customer is satisfied with the service provided. Provide feedback to relevant company departments to determine root cause / corrective and preventive actions. Facilitate and manage customer meetings with pre-set agenda outlining what you expect to achieve, followed by trip report sharing knowledge, and actions items clearly defined with time frame for completion.
Inspection & Repair Coordination: Perform inspections on used parts and provide detailed repair instructions and new design specifications using reverse engineering methods.
Business Support: Follow up open proposals and report status on a regular and timely basis. Present in weekly department meetings, reporting on business conditions and issues with customers. Build an understanding of competitor solutions, recommend and implement actions as necessary to defend and grow accounts. Build and maintain an understanding of manufacturing capabilities and standard design practices sufficient to produce the best-cost alternative for the customer and the company. Support engineering process development and design for manufacturability efforts through specific assignments as directed by Engineering Management. Lead fluid film bearing training seminars at customer and/or internal sites as needed and be able to fine-tune the training to the specific needs of the audience.

Benefits

a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions
medical, dental and vision insurance
wellness programs
health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
company paid short-term disability and long-term disability
company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance
supplemental employee and dependent life insurance
optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance
commuter benefits
parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence
paid time off, including business travel services
employee discounts
an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services