Lead Application Engineer

G&W Electric Co.•Bolingbrook, IL

40d•$96,555 - $125,563

About The Position

Reporting to the Application Engineering Manager, this position plays a critical role within our organization. The Lead Application Engineer manages the day to day functions of our Application Engineering (AE) Team. The role is to provide guidance and direction on both technical and commercial issues our Application Engineers (AEs) face each day. The lead will be expected to directly supervise the Application Engineers and be accountable for the Daily Management and Metrics associated with their direct reports. The role is highly visible and provides a platform for future advancement. The AE team is responsible for the interpretation of complex customer specifications and power requirements. The lead will support them in analyzing technical specifications and drawings to select the most appropriate G&W product for the application/customer needs. An appreciation for deep technical knowledge of the product and application are needed to excel in this position as well as an equal balance of negotiation and relationship building skills. This role provides guidance and instruction to grow the technical and commercial abilities of the AE team. As a Lead Application Engineer at G&W, you have the opportunity to develop your skills into several different career paths within the organization. This role provides the necessary foundation to support your career development into other business areas such as product management, field sales, after-market support and operations. G&W is committed to investing the appropriate training, reward and recognition to ensure we have our best talent in this key role!

Requirements

Holds Bachelors of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
5 years of experience in an Application Engineering role at G&W Electric
8 years of experience in an Application Engineering role is acceptable without a degree
Excellent communication and mentoring skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous lead or managerial experience preferred
A concentration in Power Engineering is preferred

Responsibilities

Perform in-process inspections of quotes and order processing as needed. Ensure all application engineering procedures are being followed and that nothing leaves the department unless it meets all requirements.
Responsible for providing performance feedback, completing formal performance assessment requirements, implementing corrective action when necessary and driving individual development/training plans.
Coach and mentor the team to provide timely responses to both internal and external customers.
Reviewing daily mgmt reports, ensuring a proper work flow, and assigning/shifting resources as necessary to meet business needs.
Support manager in gathering data, analyzing and reporting departmental metrics. This role is responsible for making corrective action and procedural recommendations to the AE Manager and supporting driving successful implementation.
Support manager in driving department continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide meaningful input to management regarding performance of subordinates against their job requirements and performance to goals within the time frames designated for their position. Provide training, leadership and mentoring of staff.
Collaborating with Application Engineering management, develop employees work skills to improve department quality, throughput and to reduce scrap/rework.
Working and guiding the team to fully determine the technical and commercial requirements of the application.
Working and guiding team to select the appropriate G&W product to meet these requirements.
Working and guiding team to develop accurate cost models for both standard and custom equipment.
Working and guiding team to determine and negotiate price levels and lead times.
Partner with Sales Team to develop and present customer sales strategies.
Manage the commercial and technical aspects of the customer.
Build and maintain strong relationships with our internal resources and Sales Team.
Provide backup quote and order entry capacity as needed.
Provide timely and effective verbal and written communication to our internal resources and Sales Team