Manager Applications Design Engineering

Industrial Electric Manufacturing•Franklin, TN

About The Position

The Manager, Applications Design Engineering will lead a team of Applications Engineers who provide front‑end internal consulting and technical support on three‑phase power, automation, and communication within low and medium voltage switchgear. In this role, you will directly manage the Applications Engineering team—a group of technical experts on IEM products—ensuring they deliver clear, accurate responses to internal inquiries from sales, engineering, production, and field service when published IEM literature is not sufficient. You will own team performance, develop people and process, and partner cross‑functionally to ensure scalable, high‑quality custom solutions for our clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (BSEE) or related field; advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
7+ years of experience in applications, design, or field engineering roles focused on power distribution/switchgear, with at least 2–3 years in technical leadership or people management.
Strong technical understanding of three‑phase electric power systems, including distribution, control, protection strategies, rotating machines, and communications (Ethernet, Modbus, IEC 61850).
Hands‑on experience with switchgear design and AutoCAD
Working knowledge of NEC and key UL/IEEE standards (UL 891, 1558, 508A; IEEE C37.x).
Demonstrated ability to build and lead high‑performing technical teams in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.
Proven experience improving processes, standardizing deliverables, and increasing reuse of engineering assets (templates, libraries, tools).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical audiences.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree or MBA is a plus.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise, mentor, and enable the success of Applications Engineering team members, including goal setting, coaching, and regular performance reviews.
Ensure the Applications Engineering team provides timely, high‑quality front-end internal consulting to the sales department, offering product solutions that meet client technical and commercial needs.
Oversee responses to internal inquiries from sales, engineering, production, and field service when existing IEM documentation does not adequately address product capabilities or applications.
Monitor team workload and progress, schedule and lead team meetings, provide guidance and direction, and take disciplinary action where required.
Foster a collaborative, high‑trust team culture and drive team‑building initiatives across multiple locations.
Coordinate with recruiting to interview and select qualified candidates; identify skill gaps within the team and work with management to address them through training, new tools/systems, and/or additional personnel.
Oversee pre‑order engineering activities (preliminary drawings, communication diagrams, sequences of operation, and BOMs) for quality, standardization, and on time delivery.
Establish and maintain best practices for collaboration between Applications Engineering, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production, and Sales to ensure clear scopes and smooth project handoffs.
Review and approve complex customer plans, specifications, and scopes of work for technical alignment, code compliance, and fit to IEM product offerings.
Partner with Product Management and Engineering leadership to feed field insights into product enhancements and new product development.
Oversee development and delivery of technical training on IEM products and applications to internal stakeholders and select clients.
Ensure adherence to applicable codes and standards (NEC, UL, IEEE) and internal quality requirements in all Applications Engineering deliverables.
Define, track, and improve team KPIs (cycle time, quality, rework, internal customer satisfaction) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as required by business needs and management direction.